CVE-2013-5311 in phpVID
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Vastal I-Tech phpVID 1.2.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "n" parameter to (1) browse_videos.php or (2) members.php. NOTE: the cat parameter is already covered by CVE-2008-4157.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5311 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Vastal I-Tech phpVID 1.2.3 content management system. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improperly sanitized input parameters. The flaw specifically affects two distinct script files within the system's directory structure, namely browse_videos.php and members.php, which process user-supplied data without adequate validation or sanitization mechanisms. The affected parameter named "n" serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that bypass the application's security controls and directly interact with the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-controllable parameters are directly concatenated into database query strings, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any remote attacker with access to the affected web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized users to extract sensitive information, modify or delete critical data, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the video management system, potentially compromising user accounts, video content, and system integrity. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to the database, making it a prime target for data exfiltration and system takeover operations.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the affected application components. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, the application should enforce strict input validation on the "n" parameter, implementing whitelisting mechanisms or comprehensive sanitization routines to prevent malicious SQL fragments from being processed. Security measures should also include regular code reviews and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1190 for Proxy Execution, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access and execute commands remotely. The vulnerability also aligns with the principle of least privilege, as proper input sanitization would prevent attackers from escalating their access beyond the initial SQL injection point. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining updated security patches for all components in the application stack.