CVE-2005-2037 in Fortibus CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Fortibus CMS 4.0.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the username or password to logon.asp, (2) WeeklyNotesDisplay.asp, or (3) the Search page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2037 represents a critical security flaw in Fortibus CMS version 4.0.0 that exposes multiple pathways for remote attackers to perform SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The affected components include the authentication mechanism through logon.asp, the WeeklyNotesDisplay.asp page, and the search functionality, all of which process user input directly into database queries without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers submit malicious input through the identified entry points, allowing them to manipulate the underlying SQL queries executed by the application's database layer. When user credentials are submitted to logon.asp, or when search queries are processed through WeeklyNotesDisplay.asp or the main search page, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into SQL command structures. This lack of input validation creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed with the privileges of the web application's database user, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in unauthorized database access, data modification, or even complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage these injection points to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-critical information stored within the CMS database. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit these vulnerabilities, making them particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to databases and extract sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2037 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code. The most effective approach involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines, enforcing strict access controls, and conducting regular security code reviews can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while ensuring that all database connections use least privilege accounts with minimal necessary permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in database access control to prevent unauthorized data manipulation and access.