CVE-2011-2181 in Really Simple Chat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in A Really Simple Chat (ARSC) 3.3-rc2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) arsc_user parameter to base/admin/edit_user.php, (2) arsc_layout_id parameter in base/admin/edit_layout.php, or (3) arsc_room parameter to base/admin/edit_room.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2018
The CVE-2011-2181 vulnerability affects A Really Simple Chat version 3.3-rc2, a web-based chat application that suffers from multiple SQL injection flaws. These vulnerabilities arise from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's administrative interfaces, specifically targeting three distinct parameters that control user management, layout configuration, and room settings. The flaw exists in the administrative sections of the application where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, creating a critical security risk for systems running this software.
The technical implementation of these vulnerabilities follows a classic SQL injection pattern where attacker-controlled input flows directly into database query construction. In the first instance, the arsc_user parameter in base/admin/edit_user.php accepts user input that bypasses proper validation, allowing malicious actors to inject SQL commands that can manipulate the underlying database. The second vulnerability occurs in base/admin/edit_layout.php where the arsc_layout_id parameter lacks proper input sanitization, while the third vulnerability in base/admin/edit_room.php targets the arsc_room parameter with similar security flaws. These injection points enable attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying user credentials, or even escalating privileges within the application's database layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through database manipulation. Attackers can leverage these injection points to extract sensitive information including user credentials, session data, and application configuration details. The administrative nature of these vulnerabilities means that exploitation could result in unauthorized modification of user accounts, deletion of chat room configurations, or complete database corruption. Furthermore, the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to underlying system resources, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for production environments where the chat application handles sensitive communications.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration's top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses. The attack surface aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through database manipulation. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through input validation, parameterized queries, and proper sanitization of all user inputs. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing proper input validation, using prepared statements or parameterized queries, and restricting administrative access to authenticated users only. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar injection points in other applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation in administrative interfaces can create severe security implications for web-based systems.