CVE-2004-0366 in pam-pgsql
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the libpam-pgsql library before 0.5.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The CVE-2004-0366 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the libpam-pgsql library version 0.5.1 and earlier, which serves as a crucial component for PostgreSQL authentication in Unix-like systems. This library facilitates the integration of PostgreSQL databases with the Pluggable Authentication Modules framework, enabling applications to authenticate users against PostgreSQL databases through standard authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the library's database interaction routines, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the library's failure to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into SQL query constructs. When authentication requests are processed through libpam-pgsql, user-provided credentials and identifiers are concatenated directly into SQL statements without adequate escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to query construction enables attackers to manipulate the intended database operations by injecting malicious SQL fragments that alter the query logic. The flaw specifically affects the authentication process where user names and password information are used to construct database queries, creating a direct pathway for SQL injection attacks that bypass normal authentication controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account, potentially gaining access to all stored data including user credentials, personal information, financial records, and confidential organizational data. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the library is used for system authentication, as attackers could escalate privileges to gain root access or access to other system resources. Additionally, the vulnerability enables data manipulation, deletion, or exfiltration attacks that could result in significant business disruption and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0366 primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected libpam-pgsql library to version 0.5.2 or later, which incorporates proper input sanitization and parameterized query handling. System administrators should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, including unusual authentication patterns and database query anomalies. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems utilizing this library, while database firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify malicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, representing exploitation of vulnerabilities in authentication systems through injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and regular security audits to reduce the attack surface and enhance overall system resilience against similar vulnerabilities.