CVE-2015-6009 in Web Reference Database
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Web Reference Database (aka refbase) through 0.9.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the where parameter to rss.php or (2) the sqlQuery parameter to search.php, a different issue than CVE-2015-7382.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6009 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting the Web Reference Database system version 0.9.6 and earlier. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the application's core functionality. The first vector targets the where parameter in the rss.php script, while the second exploits the sqlQuery parameter in search.php, both of which fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries. These attack surfaces expose the system to remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before executing database operations. When attackers manipulate the where parameter in rss.php or the sqlQuery parameter in search.php, they can inject malicious SQL constructs that bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate database queries. This weakness directly maps to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding that allow attackers to manipulate the underlying database structure through carefully crafted payloads. The attack requires no special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely by any internet-connected attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Attackers could leverage these SQL injection points to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the reference database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where malicious actors might elevate their access levels to administrative privileges within the database. Furthermore, the injection capabilities could be used to modify or delete database records, corrupt system integrity, or even execute operating system commands if the database engine supports such functionality. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Database Compromise tactic, specifically targeting the SQL Injection technique and potentially leading to broader system exploitation through lateral movement.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of refbase should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically addressing the two identified attack vectors in rss.php and search.php. Database administrators should enforce strict access controls and implement database activity monitoring to detect anomalous query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting these specific parameters. The implementation of prepared statements and stored procedures can effectively neutralize the injection vulnerabilities while maintaining application functionality. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors that could be exploited through different entry points in the system architecture.