CVE-2005-0792 in ZPanel
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ZPanel 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) uname parameter to index.php or (2) page parameter to zpanel.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2018
The CVE-2005-0792 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in ZPanel 2.0, a web-based control panel software designed for hosting environments. This vulnerability exists within the authentication and page handling mechanisms of the application, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing this software. The flaw manifests when user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation in the ZPanel application. The first vector targets the uname parameter within the index.php file, while the second vector exploits the page parameter in zpanel.php. Both paths allow attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database queries, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL statements, creating a classic SQL injection scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected database server. This level of access enables unauthorized users to read, modify, or delete database contents, potentially compromising entire hosting environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract user credentials, manipulate website content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the hosting infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web hosting providers and their clients.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack pattern corresponds to the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in application input handling to gain unauthorized access to data. Organizations using ZPanel 2.0 should immediately implement input validation measures, including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and comprehensive input sanitization. The recommended mitigations include updating to patched versions of ZPanel, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should establish robust database access controls and monitor for suspicious database activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices in web application development. Many organizations fail to implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, leaving their systems susceptible to common injection attacks that have been well-documented for decades. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how even seemingly simple authentication mechanisms can be compromised through inadequate security controls, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and regular vulnerability assessments. The remediation process should involve not only patching the specific vulnerability but also establishing security awareness training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future applications.