CVE-2011-1939 in Zend Framework
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Zend Framework 1.10.x before 1.10.9 and 1.11.x before 1.11.6 when using non-ASCII-compatible encodings in conjunction PDO_MySql in PHP before 5.3.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1939 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Zend Framework that emerged from the interaction between specific encoding handling mechanisms and database abstraction layers. This weakness specifically affects versions of Zend Framework 1.10.x prior to 1.10.9 and 1.11.x prior to 1.11.6, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input sequences. The vulnerability manifests when applications utilizing the framework process user input through PDO_MySql connections while operating in non-ASCII-compatible encoding environments, establishing a dangerous intersection between framework abstraction and database security controls.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the Zend Framework's database abstraction layer when handling character encoding conversions. When non-ASCII-compatible encodings are employed alongside PDO_MySql connections, the framework fails to properly escape or validate special characters that could be interpreted as SQL command delimiters or injection markers. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code through input fields that are then processed through the framework's database handling mechanisms, bypassing standard security measures that would normally protect against such attacks. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of character encoding handling and SQL query construction, where the framework's internal processing of encoded data creates opportunities for injection attacks that would not otherwise be possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it provides attackers with potential access to complete database contents and the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database system. Applications using affected versions of the Zend Framework in environments with non-ASCII-compatible encodings become vulnerable to unauthorized data access, data modification, and potential system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal prerequisites beyond having an application that uses the vulnerable framework version and employs the specific combination of encoding and database connection methods. Security professionals must consider that this vulnerability could be exploited in applications handling sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, financial records, or proprietary business information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of the Zend Framework, specifically updating to versions 1.10.9 or 1.11.6 and later. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures that go beyond framework protections, ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped and validated before processing. The implementation of proper character encoding handling and the avoidance of non-ASCII-compatible encodings where possible provides additional defensive layers. Security measures should include database query parameterization, least privilege database user accounts, and regular security auditing of application code. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which describes SQL injection flaws, and represents a specific case that could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit via untrusted input, emphasizing the need for robust input validation and proper database abstraction layer security. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.