CVE-2014-2737 in KnowledgeTree
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the get_active_session function in the KTAPI_UserSession class in webservice/clienttools/services/mdownload.php in KnowledgeTree 3.7.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the u parameter, related to the getFileName function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The CVE-2014-2737 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the KnowledgeTree document management system version 3.7.0.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the KTAPI_UserSession class implementation in the mdownload.php webservice file, where the get_active_session function fails to properly sanitize user input. The flaw manifests when the u parameter is passed to the getFileName function, creating an exploitable path for remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands into the system's database layer. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the web service interface, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of several cybersecurity domains and can be classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software systems. The attack vector leverages the web service interface to execute unauthorized database operations, potentially enabling full database compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it affects the core authentication and session management functionality of the KnowledgeTree platform, providing attackers with potential access to user credentials and sensitive document repositories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote code execution and data manipulation capabilities for unauthorized users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, modify user accounts, inject malicious content into the system, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the KnowledgeTree system, potentially compromising thousands of documents and user accounts. Organizations relying on this version of KnowledgeTree face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive information through this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2737 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected KnowledgeTree versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement proper input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database access controls, and application code level defenses. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent SQL injection exploitation. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to limit database access permissions for web applications, following the principle of least privilege. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of all web service interfaces and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future.