CVE-2014-9115 in Piwigo
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the rate_picture function in include/functions_rate.inc.php in Piwigo before 2.5.5, 2.6.x before 2.6.4, and 2.7.x before 2.7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rate parameter to picture.php, related to an improper data type in a comparison of a non-numeric value that begins with a digit.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The CVE-2014-9115 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Piwigo photo gallery software, affecting versions prior to specific security patches. This vulnerability resides within the rate_picture function located in include/functions_rate.inc.php, making it accessible through the picture.php script when processing the rate parameter. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject malicious SQL commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system and executing arbitrary operations on the affected server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where insufficient validation of user-provided data leads to unauthorized database access. The vulnerability manifests when the rate parameter contains a non-numeric value that begins with a digit, creating a scenario where the application performs improper data type comparison. This improper handling allows attackers to manipulate the SQL query execution flow by injecting malicious payloads that bypass normal input validation checks. The issue is particularly dangerous because it leverages the inherent trust placed in numeric input validation, where the application assumes that values beginning with digits are safe for numeric operations.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Piwigo users and administrators as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring authentication. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete existing records, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to user accounts, uploaded media files, and configuration data. The vulnerability affects multiple version streams including 2.5.x, 2.6.x, and 2.7.x, indicating a widespread exposure across the Piwigo user base and creating substantial risk for organizations relying on this photo gallery platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9115 focus primarily on immediate patch application to the affected Piwigo versions, with the recommended updates being 2.5.5, 2.6.4, and 2.7.2 respectively. System administrators should prioritize updating their installations to the latest secure versions to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes strict validation before database processing. Network-based solutions such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while database access controls should be implemented to limit the privileges of database accounts used by the application. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security measures including regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in the system infrastructure.