CVE-2010-4963 in Hulihan BXR
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in folder/list in Hulihan BXR 0.6.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the order_by parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4963 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Hulihan BXR 0.6.8 web application framework. This vulnerability specifically affects the folder/list functionality where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The attack vector exploits the order_by parameter which serves as an interface for sorting directory listings, making it a prime target for malicious input manipulation. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's backend database interaction logic, creating an avenue for unauthorized database access and command execution.
This vulnerability operates under the well-documented CWE-89 category of SQL injection, which is classified as a persistent and highly dangerous weakness in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique under T1190 - Proxy Process, where attackers leverage legitimate application functions to execute malicious database commands. The order_by parameter becomes the focal point for exploitation as it directly influences the SQL query structure without proper sanitization. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain shell access to underlying systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to carry out successful attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4963 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Successful exploitation allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE commands, potentially leading to full database enumeration and unauthorized data modification. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the application's database, including user credentials, personal information, and business-critical data. Organizations using Hulihan BXR 0.6.8 may experience service disruption, data breaches, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring direct network access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as SQL commands. All input parameters, particularly those used in database operations, should be sanitized and validated against expected data types and formats. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing proper access controls and database permissions to limit the impact of successful attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, upgrading to a supported version of Hulihan BXR or implementing proper input sanitization measures directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. The implementation of proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users further reduces the attack surface and prevents information leakage that could aid in exploitation attempts.