CVE-2004-1553 in aspWebAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in aspWebAlbum allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements via (1) the username field on the login page or (2) the cat parameter to album.asp. NOTE: it was later reported that vector 1 affects aspWebAlbum 3.2, and the vector involves the txtUserName parameter in a processlogin action to album.asp, as reachable from the login action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1553 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the aspWebAlbum web application that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. This security weakness exists in the application's handling of user input parameters, specifically targeting the authentication and catalog navigation functionalities. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the application's improper input validation mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query strings. When users attempt to log in through the login page, the application processes the username field without adequate input filtering, causing the submitted data to be directly concatenated into database queries. Similarly, the cat parameter in album.asp suffers from the same inadequate input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the catalog parameter to execute malicious SQL commands. The specific vector involving the txtUserName parameter within the processlogin action demonstrates how the vulnerability extends beyond simple login forms to encompass the entire authentication workflow.
This vulnerability presents significant operational risks to organizations utilizing aspWebAlbum, as it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely and gain access to the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could result in data theft, unauthorized modifications to the application's content, or even complete system compromise if the database server permissions are sufficiently elevated. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability affects aspWebAlbum version 3.2, indicating this was a known issue that persisted in the application's codebase despite being identified as a critical security flaw.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application input validation. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that both login and catalog navigation functionalities can be exploited, providing multiple entry points for threat actors to compromise the system. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to persistent access, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments where aspWebAlbum is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1553 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves replacing dynamic SQL query construction with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from user input data. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters that could be used in SQL injection attacks. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened by implementing account lockout mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious login attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify all potential input vectors and ensure that all database interactions properly utilize secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.