CVE-2001-1090 in nss_postgresql
Summary
by MITRE
nss_postgresql 0.6.1 and before allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries by inserting SQL code into an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1090 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the nss_postgresql module version 0.6.1 and earlier. This module serves as a Name Service Switch (NSS) plugin that enables systems to query PostgreSQL databases for user and group information, effectively bridging traditional Unix user management with database-backed identity services. The flaw occurs when the module fails to properly sanitize user input from HTTP requests before incorporating it into SQL query construction, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameterization within the nss_postgresql module's query processing logic. When an application or system service requests user information through the NSS framework, the module receives this request and translates it into a database query. However, the vulnerable version does not properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data, allowing attackers to craft HTTP requests containing malicious SQL payloads that get directly executed against the underlying PostgreSQL database. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database connection used by nss_postgresql. This could enable attackers to read sensitive user information, modify user accounts, extract database schema information, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on PostgreSQL for user authentication and authorization, particularly in enterprise environments where database-backed user management is common. The attack surface is broad since any service that utilizes the NSS framework for user lookups could be exploited, including web applications, authentication services, and system management tools.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate mitigation of this vulnerability through patching the nss_postgresql module to version 0.6.2 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameterization. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to services that utilize this module, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in database interactions and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, where attackers exploit insecure input handling to gain unauthorized access to backend systems. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the need for proper security testing of identity management components and the implementation of principle of least privilege for database connections used by NSS modules. Organizations should conduct thorough assessments of their user management infrastructure to identify all systems utilizing database-backed user services and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.