CVE-2001-1369 in pam-pgsql
Summary
by MITRE
Leon J Breedt pam-pgsql before 0.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL code and bypass authentication or modify user account records by injecting SQL statements into user or password fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1369 represents a critical security flaw in the pam-pgsql module version 0.5.2 and earlier, which serves as a Pluggable Authentication Modules driver for PostgreSQL databases. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the authentication process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through SQL injection techniques. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication handling components that process user credentials and account information, making it particularly dangerous for systems relying on PostgreSQL for user authentication services.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through SQL injection attacks targeting the user or password input fields within the pam-pgsql authentication module. When legitimate users or attackers provide maliciously crafted input containing SQL commands, the system fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a critical weakness in application security. The injection occurs at the point where user credentials are processed, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries and execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user associated with the pam-pgsql module.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypasses to include full database manipulation capabilities. Attackers can not only authenticate as any user within the system but also modify existing user account records, create new accounts, or even delete user entries. This represents a severe compromise of system integrity and confidentiality, as the vulnerability allows for both unauthorized access and data modification. The implications are particularly grave for systems where pam-pgsql is used for critical authentication services, as it could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the pam-pgsql module to version 0.5.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering and database-level query parameterization. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patched version maintains all necessary functionality while eliminating the SQL injection vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or database access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in authentication systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other authentication modules and database interfaces.