CVE-2002-1465 in CafeLog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in CafeLog b2 Weblog Tool allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL code via the tablehosts variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
The CVE-2002-1465 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the CafeLog b2 Weblog Tool, a popular blogging platform from the early 2000s. This vulnerability specifically affects the tablehosts parameter handling within the application's database interaction mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying sql queries executed by the web application. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is directly incorporated into sql command strings without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sql command construction. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it allowed attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the tablehosts variable through http request parameters, sending malicious sql payloads that bypass the application's input validation checks. The vulnerable application fails to properly escape special sql characters or employ prepared statements, allowing attackers to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. This type of attack maps directly to the attack technique t1068 privilege escalation within the attack framework, as attackers can leverage the sql injection to escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to modify database content, create new database users, and potentially execute operating system commands if the database server has appropriate permissions and capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1465 was severe for organizations using the CafeLog b2 Weblog Tool, as it provided attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying database infrastructure. This vulnerability could result in complete data compromise, including user credentials, blog content, and potentially sensitive organizational information stored within the database. The remote nature of the exploit meant that attackers could leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or physical presence. Organizations running this vulnerable software faced significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the nature of the data stored within the affected databases. The vulnerability also demonstrated the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of concatenating user input directly into sql queries without appropriate sanitization measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate patching of the CafeLog b2 Weblog Tool to implement proper input validation and sql parameterization techniques. Organizations should have implemented proper web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to prevent malicious sql payloads from reaching the vulnerable application components. The recommended security practices included replacing direct sql string concatenation with prepared statements or stored procedures, implementing proper escape sequence handling for sql special characters, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. Additionally, organizations should have enforced principle of least privilege for database accounts used by web applications, limiting the potential damage from successful sql injection attacks. This vulnerability highlighted the critical need for web application security testing and the implementation of secure coding practices as outlined in the owasp top ten security risks, specifically addressing the sql injection category that remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities.