CVE-2002-0951 in Body Builder
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Ruslan <Body>Builder allows remote attackers to gain administrative privileges via a " --" sequence in the username and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
This vulnerability represents a classic sql injection flaw that existed within the Ruslan Body Builder application, a web-based content management system that was widely used in the early 2000s. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input during authentication processes, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The attack vector exploits the use of the " --" sequence which is a standard sql comment syntax that effectively nullifies the remainder of the sql statement, allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where user credentials are processed without proper input validation or sanitization. When an attacker submits a username containing the " --" sequence followed by a valid administrative password, the sql query that normally validates user credentials becomes malformed, causing the database to interpret only the portion of the query before the comment sequence. This allows the attacker to bypass normal authentication checks and directly access administrative functions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and lacks proper parameterized queries or stored procedures that would prevent sql injection attacks. According to the attack tactics framework, this represents an initial access vector that can be classified under the attack technique of T1190 exploitation for execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to completely compromise the system's administrative controls without requiring legitimate credentials. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can modify content, delete data, create new user accounts, and potentially escalate their access to other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire application, as it provides unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions and potentially exposes the underlying database to further exploitation. The risk is amplified by the fact that the attack requires no special privileges or advanced techniques beyond basic sql injection knowledge, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors. Organizations using this vulnerable system would face significant security implications including potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms at the application level. The most effective approach involves using parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql code from user input, preventing malicious sql fragments from being executed. Additionally, implementing proper authentication controls with input sanitization, employing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security testing can help prevent exploitation. The application should also enforce strict credential policies and implement account lockout mechanisms to limit brute force attempts. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly updating their applications to address known vulnerabilities. The fix for this specific vulnerability requires modifying the authentication code to properly escape or validate special sql characters before processing user credentials, ensuring that the " --" sequence and similar malicious inputs are properly handled rather than passed directly to the database layer.