CVE-2005-1417 in MaxWebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in MaxWebPortal 2.x, 1.35, and other versions allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) article_popular.asp, (2) arguments to dl_popular.asp, (3) arguments to links_popular.asp, (4) arguments to pic_popular.asp, (5) article_rate.asp, (6) dl_rate.asp, (7) links_rate.asp, (8) pic_rates.asp, (9) article_toprated.asp, (10) dl_toprated.asp, (11) links_toprated.asp, (12) arguments to pic_toprated.asp, or (13) the TOPIC_ID or Forum_ID parameters to custom_link.asp.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1417 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting MaxWebPortal versions 2.x and 1.35, along with other affected iterations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within multiple web pages that process user-supplied data through HTTP parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. The affected scripts include popular and rating pages for articles, downloads, links, and pictures, as well as custom link handling functionality, making this vulnerability particularly widespread across the portal's core functionalities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input parameters are directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input for parameters such as TOPIC_ID, Forum_ID, and various rating or popularity parameters that are processed by the vulnerable ASP scripts. This approach violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability exists in the application's data handling logic rather than in the database itself, making it a classic example of insecure programming practices that enable malicious data manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the web application's database user. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract user credentials, or gain persistence within the target environment. The widespread nature of the affected scripts means that multiple attack vectors exist, increasing the probability of successful exploitation and making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on MaxWebPortal for content management and user interaction.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement input validation and parameterization techniques to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing proper input sanitization, using parameterized queries or stored procedures, and applying the latest security patches provided by MaxWebPortal vendors. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns, and access controls should be strengthened to limit database user privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and represents a critical threat that requires immediate remediation to prevent potential data breaches and system compromise.