CVE-2015-2147 in phpBugTracker
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Issuetracker phpBugTracker before 1.7.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2147 represents a critical security flaw in the phpBugTracker issue tracking system prior to version 1.7.0. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection weaknesses that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw resides in unspecified parameters within the application's input handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in web applications as they can lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system takeover. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the issue tracking system, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of all stored bug reports, user information, and related data. This represents a classic example of insufficient input validation where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially escalate privileges, modify database schemas, or even gain access to underlying server resources through the compromised database connection.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-2147 follows standard SQL injection attack patterns where malicious input is crafted to alter the intended flow of database queries. Attackers can manipulate parameters to inject additional SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account used by phpBugTracker. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects multiple parameters within the application's request handling, making it difficult for administrators to identify and patch all affected entry points. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices where input validation is either absent or inadequate, allowing raw user input to be processed directly within database query contexts. The vulnerability's classification as remote indicates that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability type is commonly categorized under the attack technique of command injection within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically falling under the category of SQL injection attacks that leverage web application interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2147 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, potentially leading to complete system infiltration and long-term persistence within affected environments. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of phpBugTracker face significant risk of unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of critical bug tracking information that may contain sensitive project details, user credentials, or system configurations. The vulnerability can result in service disruption through database corruption or denial of service conditions when attackers deliberately manipulate database queries. Recovery from such an attack typically requires extensive forensic analysis, database restoration from backups, and comprehensive security audits of the affected system. The vulnerability's presence in issue tracking systems is particularly concerning as these platforms often contain sensitive information about software development processes, security vulnerabilities, and internal project details. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is compromised through exploitation of this vulnerability. The long-term implications include the need for complete system re-evaluation, implementation of proper input validation mechanisms, and establishment of secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2147 require immediate action to upgrade to phpBugTracker version 1.7.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application codebase to prevent raw user input from being processed in database contexts. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced across all database interactions to prevent injection attacks. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security development lifecycle practices. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle SQL injection attacks and ensure rapid containment and recovery from potential compromises. The fix for this vulnerability aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and should be prioritized as a critical security measure in any organization's vulnerability management program.