CVE-2005-0423 in ASPjar Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.asp in ASPjar Guestbook allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0423 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the login.asp component of ASPjar Guestbook software. This security weakness resides in the password field handling mechanism where user input is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation practices that fail to distinguish between legitimate user data and malicious sql payload attempts. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specially formatted passwords that contain sql commands, which then get executed by the underlying database engine. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the authentication mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it could potentially allow unauthorized access to the guestbook system and its associated database resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a common weakness in web applications. The flaw demonstrates classic sql injection characteristics where user-controllable input flows directly into sql command execution contexts. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication to exploit, making it highly dangerous in networked environments. When an attacker submits malicious input through the password field, the application's sql query construction process fails to properly escape or parameterize the input, allowing sql commands to be interpreted and executed by the database server. This creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability essentially bypasses normal authentication controls and provides direct access to backend database functionality through the application's interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data compromise and system integrity violations. An attacker could extract sensitive information from the guestbook database including user credentials, guest messages, and potentially other system data. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to modify or delete guestbook entries, corrupt database structures, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. Given that this affects a guestbook application, the impact may include exposure of personal information provided by users, violation of privacy expectations, and potential legal consequences for the organization hosting the vulnerable system. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, allowing exploitation from anywhere on the internet.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, specifically within the login.asp component. All user inputs should be sanitized and validated against expected formats before being processed, with sql parameters used to separate user data from sql command structure. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block common sql injection patterns, while also conducting regular security code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which focuses on exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, and requires adherence to secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to prevent similar issues from arising in other parts of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against sql injection attacks.