CVE-2010-4915 in ColdBookmarks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.cfm in ColdGen ColdBookmarks 1.22 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the BookmarkID parameter in an EditBookmark action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2019
The CVE-2010-4915 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in ColdGen ColdBookmarks version 1.22 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.cfm file within the ColdBookmarks application, which serves as the primary interface for managing bookmarks. The flaw occurs when the application processes the BookmarkID parameter during an EditBookmark action, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow by crafting malicious payloads within the BookmarkID parameter. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the owasp top ten web application security risks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the vulnerable system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted BookmarkID parameter containing sql injection payloads to the EditBookmark action endpoint. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into sql queries, resulting in the execution of unintended sql commands on the underlying database server. This can lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, data deletion, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the application's data repository, potentially exposing sensitive user information, bookmark data, and system metadata. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or perform data exfiltration operations. The exploitation process typically involves crafting sql injection payloads that manipulate the application's sql query structure to achieve unauthorized database access, often utilizing techniques such as union based queries, error based extraction, or time based blind injection methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4915 extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader security implications for affected organizations. Systems running vulnerable ColdBookmarks versions become susceptible to complete system takeover, as database access often provides attackers with the ability to manipulate application logic, user accounts, and system configurations. The vulnerability also creates potential for cascading security issues, as compromised databases may contain credentials or system information that can be used to attack other interconnected systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breach notifications, and potential legal consequences depending on the nature of the compromised data. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability affects the core bookmark management functionality, which may be used by multiple users and integrated with various application components. This vulnerability aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre att&ck framework under the credential access and persistence tactics, as attackers can establish long-term access through database compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4915 should focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation and parameterized queries implementation. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of ColdGen ColdBookmarks where the vulnerability has been patched, as this represents the most effective defense against the specific exploit. The implementation of proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries, prevents sql injection by separating sql code from data. Additionally, web application firewalls and input validation rules should be configured to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns in the BookmarkID parameter. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting database user permissions and implementing proper access controls. Organizations should also establish comprehensive monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized database access attempts. Security awareness training for developers should emphasize secure coding practices, particularly around sql query construction and input handling. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense in depth strategies that include multiple layers of security controls to protect against sql injection attacks.