CVE-2011-2936 in Elgg
Summary
by MITRE
Elgg through 1.7.10 has a SQL injection vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2936 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Elgg social networking platform version 1.7.10 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the platform's handling of user input within database queries, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL query structures, allowing attackers to manipulate query execution flow and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent flaw occurring when user input is directly embedded into SQL commands without proper validation or sanitization. The attack vector typically involves manipulating parameters passed to the application through HTTP requests, particularly those related to user authentication, profile management, or content retrieval functions. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the entire social networking platform's user base and associated data.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2936 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the application environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Elgg for collaborative platforms, community networks, or enterprise social solutions where user data integrity and confidentiality are paramount. The consequences include potential exposure of user credentials, personal information, and system configuration details that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches and compliance violations under regulations such as gdpr and hipaa.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate application updates to versions that address the SQL injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all instances of the vulnerable software are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include database query monitoring, input sanitization at multiple layers, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting weaknesses in application platforms, emphasizing the need for continuous security assessment and remediation processes in social networking applications.