CVE-2010-5016 in Elite Gaming Ladders
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in matchdb.php in Elite Gaming Ladders 3.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the match parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2025
The CVE-2010-5016 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the Elite Gaming Ladders 3.5 software suite, specifically within the matchdb.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input parameters, where the match parameter fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data before incorporating it into sql queries. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's database operations by injecting malicious sql code through the vulnerable parameter, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that protect the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation practices within the application's backend processing logic. When the match parameter is processed in matchdb.php, the software directly concatenates user input into sql statements without adequate escaping or parameterization techniques. This design flaw aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any remote attacker with access to the affected web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-5016 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands including data manipulation, unauthorized data retrieval, schema enumeration, and even privilege escalation within the database environment. This vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive gaming ladder information, user credentials, and other confidential data stored within the application's database. The attack surface is particularly concerning for gaming platforms where user data and competitive information are highly valuable, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate game results, steal user accounts, or conduct further reconnaissance for additional attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5016 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as sql code. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements with bound parameters, which separates sql logic from data input, effectively neutralizing injection attacks. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and limiting database user privileges can further reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security measures should also include regular code reviews, automated vulnerability scanning, and adherence to secure coding practices aligned with industry standards such as those recommended by the open web application security project. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and proper database access controls in preventing unauthorized data access and maintaining system integrity.