CVE-2005-0302 in Comersus Backoffice Lite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in default.asp in BackOffice Lite 6.0 and 6.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the referer field in the HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0302 represents a critical sql injection flaw in BackOffice Lite 6.0 and 6.01 web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the default.asp page and exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of http headers. The attack vector leverages the referer field present in http request headers, which is commonly used by web browsers to indicate the address of the previous page that linked to the current resource. When the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input from this field before incorporating it into sql queries, malicious actors can manipulate the referer header to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute within the database context of the web application. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sql command structure in application code. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding that enables attackers to bypass normal application security controls and directly interact with the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or manipulation. An attacker who successfully exploits this sql injection flaw can gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, financial records, user credentials, and other confidential information stored within the backoffice lite database. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system or network. This capability enables automated scanning and exploitation across multiple vulnerable instances, significantly amplifying the potential damage. The vulnerability also provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges, modify database structures, create new user accounts, and potentially establish persistent access points within the target environment. From an attacker perspective this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, particularly focusing on command and script injection tactics. The attack can be executed through simple http requests that modify the referer header, making it easily automatable and difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0302 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query techniques. Organizations should implement strict sanitization of all user-supplied input, particularly headers like referer, by either rejecting or properly escaping special sql characters before any database operations occur. The most effective solution involves transitioning to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql command structure from data values, preventing malicious input from altering the intended sql execution flow. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block suspicious referer header patterns that attempt to inject sql commands. Network-level protections should include monitoring for unusual http header variations and implementing rate limiting on requests that contain potentially malicious input patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may be susceptible to sql injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that legacy applications like BackOffice Lite receive proper security enhancements, while also considering migration to more modern, secure platforms that inherently implement better input validation and sanitization mechanisms.