CVE-2005-1779 in MaxWebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in password.asp in MaxWebPortal 1.35, 1.36, 2.0, and 20050418 Next allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the memKey parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1779 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the MaxWebPortal content management system versions 1.35, 1.36, 2.0, and the 20050418 Next release. This vulnerability specifically targets the password.asp component which handles user authentication and password reset functionality. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the memKey parameter, which is utilized during the password recovery process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql commands within the memKey parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system and executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql commands in application code, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through user-supplied input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the memKey parameter without proper sanitization or parameterization, leading to direct sql query construction from user input. When an attacker submits malicious input through the memKey parameter, the application's sql query execution engine interprets the injected sql commands as legitimate database operations rather than user-supplied data. This creates a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive user data, modify database records, or even escalate privileges to administrative levels within the portal. The vulnerability affects the authentication and session management components of the application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without prior authentication credentials. According to the mitre attack framework, this vulnerability aligns with the initial access and privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the credential access and execution capabilities within the attack chain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms within the compromised system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify user accounts, create backdoor access points, or even gain complete administrative control over the MaxWebPortal installation. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of stored user credentials but also the integrity and availability of the entire portal system. Organizations running affected versions of MaxWebPortal face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system compromise that could serve as a foothold for further attacks within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the system from external networks without requiring physical access or prior credentials, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected MaxWebPortal versions to the latest secure releases that implement proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable components to untrusted networks. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attempts. Organizations should also establish proper security monitoring protocols to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, ensuring that any unauthorized database access attempts are promptly identified and addressed through incident response procedures.