CVE-2011-4710 in Pixie
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Pixie CMS 1.01 through 1.04 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) pixie_user parameter and (2) Referer HTTP header in a request to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4710 represents a critical security flaw in Pixie CMS versions 1.01 through 1.04 that exposes the system to remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the content management system's core processing logic. The flaw specifically affects two distinct input vectors: the pixie_user parameter and the Referer HTTP header, both of which are processed without proper security controls that would prevent malicious SQL payloads from being executed within the database context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the standard SQL injection attack pattern where user-controllable input is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing SQL commands and submits it through either the pixie_user parameter or the Referer header, the application processes this input without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to manipulate the underlying database queries. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4710 extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass complete system takeover potential. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could extract confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the database. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Additionally, successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify or delete content, potentially causing significant disruption to the website's functionality and reputation.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and align it with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The remediation strategy should prioritize immediate patching of affected Pixie CMS installations to version 1.05 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, conduct thorough security assessments of all input handling mechanisms, and establish proper database access controls to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software versions.