CVE-2005-1412 in Professional Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in verify.asp for Ecomm Professional Guestbook 3.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the AdminPWD parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1412 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the verify.asp component of Ecomm Professional Guestbook version 3.x. This vulnerability specifically targets the AdminPWD parameter which is used for administrative password verification within the guestbook application. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input in the AdminPWD parameter that gets directly embedded into backend database queries without proper sanitization. This creates an avenue for remote code execution through sql command injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The flaw operates at the application layer where user inputs are concatenated directly into sql statement strings without appropriate parameterization or input filtering. When the verify.asp script processes the AdminPWD parameter, it likely constructs sql queries using string concatenation methods that do not properly escape special sql characters or keywords. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that can manipulate the database operations performed by the application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets administrative functions, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption. Remote attackers can leverage this sql injection flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server, potentially gaining full administrative control over the guestbook application and its associated data. This includes the ability to read, modify, or delete sensitive information stored in the database, including user credentials, guestbook entries, and potentially other system data. The vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges within the application, bypass authentication mechanisms, and perform unauthorized actions that could compromise the entire system. Given that this affects a guestbook application, the impact may also extend to potential data exposure and service disruption. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers would need to identify and exploit the vulnerable parameter to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, particularly in the verify.asp component. All user inputs should be sanitized using established escaping mechanisms or preferably utilize parameterized sql queries that separate sql commands from data. The application should implement proper input length restrictions and character validation to prevent malicious payloads from being processed. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection layers. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary database features, implementing least privilege access controls, and regular security audits should be enforced. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar sql injection patterns that may exist in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.