CVE-2011-5218 in DotA OpenStats
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in DotA OpenStats 1.3.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The CVE-2011-5218 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in DotA OpenStats version 1.3.9 and earlier, exposing systems to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate the id parameter, which is directly incorporated into sql statements without adequate protection mechanisms.
This sql injection vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection attacks where untrusted data is directly embedded into sql commands. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious sql payloads through the id parameter, which then gets executed by the database engine. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain full control over the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify database content, delete critical information, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals and nation-state actors alike.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses any system running DotA OpenStats version 1.3.9 or earlier that exposes the index.php script to remote users. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and establish robust database access controls to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper application security testing and input sanitization practices throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.