CVE-2014-9347 in phpMyRecipes
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in dosearch.php in phpMyRecipes 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the words_exact parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The CVE-2014-9347 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in phpMyRecipes version 1.2.2 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the dosearch.php script where the words_exact parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql queries. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that can be executed against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization and parameterized queries, creating an exploitable path for remote attackers to manipulate database operations. This issue falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in application security architecture. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it enables unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection pattern where user-controllable input directly influences sql query construction without adequate sanitization measures. When an attacker submits malicious input through the words_exact parameter in the dosearch.php script, the application processes this input without proper validation or escaping, allowing sql metacharacters to be interpreted by the database engine. This creates opportunities for attackers to perform union-based queries, boolean-based injections, or time-based blind sql injection techniques to extract database schema information, user credentials, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard http requests without requiring special tools or elevated privileges. The attack chain typically involves crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the sql query structure to achieve unauthorized access to database resources. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to the execution and credential access tactics, as attackers can leverage it to execute arbitrary code and extract authentication credentials stored in the database.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9347 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable phpMyRecipes installations face risks of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools to identify and compromise multiple systems simultaneously, making it particularly dangerous in environments with numerous web applications. Database administrators may experience unauthorized access to sensitive information including user accounts, personal data, and application configuration details. The vulnerability also poses risks to system integrity as attackers can modify or delete database records, potentially disrupting business operations. Additionally, the exploitation of this vulnerability can serve as a foothold for further attacks, enabling attackers to move laterally within networks or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over affected systems. Organizations must consider the broader security implications beyond immediate data exposure, including potential compliance violations under regulations such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss that mandate protection of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9347 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable phpMyRecipes application to version 1.2.3 or later where the sql injection vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection attempts targeting the dosearch.php endpoint, though this represents a temporary measure until proper patching occurs. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application code, database access controls, and network-level filtering to prevent malicious payloads from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that application accounts have minimal required permissions and that sensitive data is protected through proper encryption mechanisms. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other applications within the organization's attack surface. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review to ensure that similar sql injection vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application or related systems. Organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle sql injection attacks and maintain regular backups to facilitate recovery from potential compromise scenarios. Additionally, staff training on secure coding practices and sql injection prevention techniques should be implemented to reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities being introduced in future development cycles.