CVE-2013-2745 in minidlna
Summary
by MITRE
An SQL Injection vulnerability exists in MiniDLNA prior to 1.1.0
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2024
The CVE-2013-2745 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in MiniDLNA versions prior to 1.1.0, exposing a fundamental security weakness in the media server software's handling of user input. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's database query construction mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. MiniDLNA, a popular open-source digital media server implementation, was widely deployed in home and enterprise networks for serving media content to various devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication.
The technical flaw manifests when MiniDLNA processes user-supplied data in database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads that bypass input validation checks and directly influence the database query execution flow. This occurs because the application concatenates user input directly into SQL statements rather than using prepared statements or proper parameter binding mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-89, representing a classic SQL injection weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or validation. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters, device identifiers, or other input fields that are subsequently processed by the application's database layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables full database compromise and potential system control. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could retrieve sensitive information including user credentials, device configurations, and media library metadata from the affected MiniDLNA instances. In more severe scenarios, the attacker might gain the ability to modify or delete database records, potentially disrupting media services or creating persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also organizations relying on MiniDLNA for media distribution, as compromised instances could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any network-connected MiniDLNA instance could be targeted, making it particularly concerning for home networks where such services are commonly deployed without proper security hardening.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2745 focus primarily on immediate software updates to version 1.1.0 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected MiniDLNA installations and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth, limiting exposure of media servers to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious database query patterns and unusual network traffic originating from affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks, and represents a common vector for lateral movement and privilege escalation within compromised networks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other network services and applications, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing database-related vulnerabilities.