CVE-2005-1943 in download manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Loki download manager 2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) password field to default.asp or (2) cat parameter to catinfo.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1943 represents a critical security flaw in the Loki download manager version 2.0 that exposes the application to remote SQL injection attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application's processing logic, specifically affecting two distinct entry points that handle user authentication and category information retrieval. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database layer through carefully crafted inputs, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two primary attack vectors that exploit weak input handling mechanisms. The first vector targets the password field in the default.asp script, where user credentials are processed without proper sanitization of special SQL characters and control sequences. The second vector exploits the cat parameter within catinfo.asp, which processes category identifiers without adequate validation. Both attack paths demonstrate a classic lack of parameterized queries or proper input filtering, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries through malicious input strings that are directly concatenated into SQL command structures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a fundamental flaw in application security design that violates secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server, extract sensitive information including user credentials, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the entire download management system, compromising user accounts and potentially using the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects core authentication and content management functionality, providing attackers with both user access and system-level database manipulation capabilities. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploit public-facing applications, highlighting the severity and attack surface exposure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques including parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding and implement the principle of least privilege for database connections to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, the application should be updated to a secure version that addresses these input validation flaws, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the vulnerable system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing that database security cannot be achieved through network-level protections alone.