CVE-2011-5229 in appRain
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in quickstart/profile/index.php in the Forum module in appRain CMF 0.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The CVE-2011-5229 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the appRain Content Management Framework version 0.1.5 specifically affecting the Forum module's quickstart/profile/index.php script. This vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that flows through the PATH_INFO server variable, which is commonly used in web applications to handle URL parameters in a clean URL format. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the PATH_INFO parameter, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the PATH_INFO variable without proper sanitization or parameter binding, directly incorporating user input into sql queries. This creates an environment where attackers can construct malicious sql payloads that the application executes with the privileges of the web application's database user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the PATH_INFO variable, which is often used in modern web applications for routing and parameter handling, making it a common attack vector in applications implementing clean url structures. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations using appRain CMF 0.1.5 to significant risks including unauthorized data access, data modification, and potential complete database compromise. Attackers could extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details, while also being able to modify or delete database records. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to potential system compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on the Forum module for user profile management and community features, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit user data repositories.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2011-5229 involve implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a supported version of appRain CMF that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities and establishing proper input sanitization routines can provide additional defense layers. Security practitioners should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by the web application, ensuring that database users have minimal required permissions. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation as outlined in the mitre attack framework, particularly in the execution phase where attackers leverage such flaws to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The fix should include implementing proper parameter binding or escaping mechanisms for all database queries and ensuring that PATH_INFO variables are properly validated before being processed by the application logic.