CVE-2014-5097 in ArticleFR
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Free Reprintables ArticleFR 3.0.4 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a (1) get or (2) set action to rate.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5097 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Free Reprintables ArticleFR version 3.0.4 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user input through the rate.php script, specifically targeting the id parameter used in get and set actions. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database by injecting malicious SQL commands through crafted input, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and severe security weakness that has been consistently exploited in various web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter sanitization within the rate.php script. When users submit requests containing the id parameter through either get or set actions, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an exploitable condition where attackers can craft malicious payloads that alter the intended SQL execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution within the database context, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges to gain full administrative control over the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5097 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system infiltration and data destruction. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data exfiltration, unauthorized user account creation, modification of existing records, and potential denial of service conditions. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from any location without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol and T1566.001 Phishing, as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or deliver additional malicious payloads. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability affects a core functionality component of the application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and manual penetration testing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5097 should prioritize immediate application updates to version 3.0.5 or later, where the SQL injection vulnerabilities have been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Security patches should be applied immediately, and comprehensive vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify any other potential injection points within the application. The remediation process should also include thorough code review to ensure that all user inputs are properly validated and escaped before being processed by database systems, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding and defense in depth strategies.