CVE-2014-100020 in iTechClassifieds
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ChangeEmail.php in iTechClassifieds 3.03.057 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the PreviewNum parameter. NOTE: the CatID parameter is already covered by CVE-2008-0685.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2025
This vulnerability resides within the iTechClassifieds 3.03.057 web application, specifically in the ChangeEmail.php script where a sql injection flaw has been identified through the PreviewNum parameter. The flaw represents a classic sql injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables unauthorized users to manipulate database operations without proper authentication or authorization, potentially leading to data compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or complete database takeover.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the ChangeEmail.php script. When the PreviewNum parameter is processed, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates an attack surface where malicious input can be interpreted as sql code rather than simple data, allowing attackers to inject their own sql commands. The vulnerability follows the common pattern described by cwe-89 sql injection, where insufficient sanitization of user inputs leads to unauthorized database access. According to the attack pattern taxonomy, this represents a direct injection attack that aligns with the techniques documented in the attack framework under the category of database injection methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform destructive operations on the database. Successful exploitation could result in data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to user accounts, classified advertisements, and potentially personal information stored within the classifieds system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise, especially if the database user account has elevated permissions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective approach involves using prepared statements with parameter binding, which ensures that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and limiting database user permissions can significantly reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security measures should include input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts and regularly updating and patching the classifieds software to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should follow established security standards and best practices, including the use of secure coding guidelines that align with industry frameworks such as those promoted by owasp and the cwe organization.