CVE-2011-0407 in phenotype
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the store function in _phenotype/system/class/PhenoTypeDataObject.class.php in Phenotype CMS 3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted URI, as demonstrated by Gallery/gal_id/1/image1,1.html. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The CVE-2011-0407 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Phenotype CMS 3.0 that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the store function located in the _phenotype/system/class/PhenoTypeDataObject.class.php file, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise content management systems. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters, particularly within URI structures that are processed by the vulnerable function. The attack vector is demonstrated through a specific URI pattern Gallery/gal_id/1/image1,1.html, which reveals how malicious actors can craft URLs to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the gallery identifier parameter without adequate input validation or sanitization. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that gets executed within the database context, potentially enabling full database access, data exfiltration, or even system compromise. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software applications that handle database operations. The flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices where the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1190 technique of Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target weaknesses in web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0407 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate or delete database content, extract sensitive user information, or establish unauthorized access points within the CMS infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running Phenotype CMS 3.0 are at significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The attack surface is broad since any web application utilizing this CMS component could be compromised, especially those with gallery or media management features that process URI parameters through the vulnerable store function.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Phenotype CMS version, as no reliable workarounds exist for this specific SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar issues in the future, aligning with OWASP Top Ten recommendations for secure coding practices. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks and related threats.