CVE-2011-1546 in Aphpkb
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Andy s PHP Knowledgebase (Aphpkb) before 0.95.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the s parameter to (1) a_viewusers.php or (2) keysearch.php; and allow remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (3) id or (4) start parameter to pending.php, or the (5) aid parameter to a_authordetails.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2011-1546 vulnerability affects Andy s PHP Knowledgebase version 0.95.2 and earlier, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the application's database security. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within multiple script files, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by both unauthenticated and authenticated users. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that fail to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through several distinct entry points within the application's codebase. Attackers can exploit the s parameter in a_viewusers.php and keysearch.php scripts to inject malicious SQL commands, while authenticated administrators face additional risks through the id and start parameters in pending.php, and the aid parameter in a_authordetails.php. These attack vectors demonstrate poor input handling practices where user-provided data flows directly into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability exists because the application does not employ prepared statements or proper input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Unauthenticated attackers can potentially access, modify, or delete sensitive user data through the a_viewusers.php and keysearch.php endpoints, while authenticated administrators face risks that could escalate to full database compromise through the administrative endpoints. The vulnerability allows for data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application handles sensitive information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Structured Query Language, which describes the use of SQL injection to manipulate application data and gain unauthorized access to database systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected application code. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to prepared statements or stored procedures that separate SQL code from user input data. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege management ensures that even if an attacker exploits one vulnerability, they cannot escalate privileges or access unauthorized database resources. Regular security auditing and code review practices should be established to identify similar input validation weaknesses. The fix should include input sanitization, output encoding, and comprehensive testing procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from reoccurring in future versions of the application. Organizations should also implement database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts of such vulnerabilities in production environments.