CVE-2014-100031 in Ganesha Digital Library
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Ganesha Digital Library (GDL) 4.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in (1) download.php or (2) main.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-100031 represents a critical security flaw in the Ganesha Digital Library version 4.2, a digital library management system that serves as a repository for digital content and resources. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The affected components specifically target the download.php and main.php scripts within the GDL application, where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability occurs when the application processes the id parameter without adequate input validation, allowing malicious users to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can be executed within the database context.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The flaw stems from the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization mechanisms for the id parameter, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as part of the SQL command structure. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the attacker only needs to send maliciously crafted requests to the affected endpoints. The SQL injection occurs because the application directly concatenates user input into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms, making it susceptible to manipulation through crafted payloads that can alter the intended query execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete existing records, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. Remote attackers could access confidential information including user credentials, personal data, and library catalog information that may be stored in the database. The vulnerability also provides a potential pathway for attackers to gain deeper system access, as database credentials and system configurations might be accessible through the compromised database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the affected scripts are likely core components of the digital library functionality, meaning that exploitation could disrupt library services and compromise the integrity of the entire digital repository system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The primary recommendation involves updating the Ganesha Digital Library to a patched version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the vendor should have released security updates to resolve the input sanitization issues. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms that filter or escape special characters in the id parameter would prevent malicious SQL commands from being executed. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the affected scripts, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and regular security assessments would provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and privilege separation to minimize the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.