CVE-2005-1824 in mailutils
Summary
by MITRE
The sql_escape_string function in auth/sql.c for the mailutils SQL authentication module does not properly quote the "\" (backslash) character, which is used as an escape character and makes the module vulnerable to SQL injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1824 resides within the mailutils SQL authentication module where the sql_escape_string function fails to properly handle backslash characters during SQL query construction. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the integrity of authentication processes and exposes systems to unauthorized access attempts. The function's inadequate handling of the backslash character creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the authentication system, potentially compromising user credentials and system access controls.
This vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization practices within the SQL authentication module, where the backslash character serves as a crucial escape sequence in SQL syntax. When user credentials are processed through the auth/sql.c module, the sql_escape_string function fails to adequately escape backslash characters, allowing attackers to manipulate the SQL query execution flow. The flaw specifically manifests when user-provided data containing backslash characters is directly incorporated into SQL statements without proper escaping mechanisms, creating an environment ripe for SQL injection exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 standards for improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, where the backslash character's special meaning in SQL contexts is not properly accounted for during input processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypasses, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the authenticated user or database connection. An attacker could leverage this weakness to extract sensitive user information, modify authentication records, or even escalate privileges within the mail system. The vulnerability particularly affects systems utilizing mailutils with SQL authentication backends, making it a significant concern for email infrastructure security. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication as it exploits the fundamental flaw in input validation, allowing for automated exploitation through standard SQL injection techniques that target the backslash character's role in SQL escaping.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1824 should prioritize immediate patching of the mailutils library to ensure proper backslash character handling within the sql_escape_string function. System administrators must implement comprehensive input validation procedures that properly escape all special SQL characters including backslashes, ensuring that user inputs are sanitized before database interaction. The remediation process should include thorough code review of authentication modules to identify similar vulnerabilities in other escape sequence handling functions. Additionally, implementing database-level security measures such as privilege restriction for authentication database connections and regular audit logging can help detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider adopting parameterized queries or prepared statements as a defense-in-depth strategy, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in authentication systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in database interactions and the potential consequences of inadequate escaping mechanisms in authentication modules, making it a prime example of how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in system infrastructure.