CVE-2011-5215 in Video Community Portal Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Video Community Portal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5215 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Video Community Portal application that affects the index.php script. This security weakness resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the backend database interaction mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential system compromise. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input data before incorporating it into SQL command structures, thereby enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe weakness in software applications where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the application resides. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire database system, as the malicious SQL commands can retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard SQL injection attack patterns where attackers craft malicious input strings that alter the intended execution flow of database queries. The id parameter serves as the primary injection point, where an attacker can append SQL syntax to manipulate the query structure and gain unauthorized access to database resources. This attack model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190, which covers exploit public-facing applications. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and lacks proper parameterized query implementation, which are fundamental security controls recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive user information and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5215 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from data inputs. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, output encoding, and least privilege database access controls can significantly reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls, conduct regular security assessments, and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues. The remediation approach must align with industry standards including ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, and OWASP Application Security Verification Standard to ensure comprehensive protection against SQL injection threats and maintain regulatory compliance requirements.