CVE-2014-2211 in POSH
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in portal/addtoapplication.php in POSH (aka Posh portal or Portaneo) 3.0 before 3.3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rssurl parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2211 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the posh portal software ecosystem, specifically targeting the portal/addtoapplication.php component. This vulnerability affects versions 3.0 through 3.2.9 of the posh portal system, commonly known as portaneo, creating a persistent security risk that enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The flaw manifests through the rssurl parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious sql commands, allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's processing pipeline. When the rssurl parameter is submitted to the addtoapplication.php script, the system fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. This omission creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can alter the intended sql query structure, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability maps directly to common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental flaw in application security where untrusted data is directly embedded into sql commands without proper sanitization measures.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the posh portal system, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can compromise entire database infrastructures. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability can facilitate privilege escalation attacks, allowing attackers to gain administrative access to the portal and potentially the underlying database systems. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the network or system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in cloud-based or externally accessible environments.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation involves updating the posh portal software to version 3.3.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the affected endpoint. Input sanitization measures including proper escaping of special characters and implementation of prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application codebase. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under techniques that involve data manipulation and information gathering, making it a significant concern for organizations following cybersecurity frameworks such as the mitre attack matrix. Organizations must also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within their application portfolios and establish robust monitoring protocols to detect exploitation attempts.