CVE-2005-2166 in Plague News System
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Plague News System 0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The CVE-2005-2166 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Plague News System version 0.6 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the cid parameter. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental web application security issue where untrusted data is directly embedded into sql queries without proper sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the cid parameter in the index.php script. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in database operations, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user. This allows for complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to full system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information, or even escalate privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2166 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Organizations running affected versions of Plague News System face significant risks including unauthorized data access, data corruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or insider knowledge. This makes it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and script kiddies who can easily identify and exploit vulnerable systems. The security implications also include potential compliance violations, as many regulatory frameworks require organizations to protect against sql injection attacks and maintain secure application architectures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves patching the application to version 0.7 or later where the sql injection vulnerability has been properly addressed through input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including parameterized sql statements, which prevent malicious input from being interpreted as sql code. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security code reviews, and establishing proper database access controls with least privilege principles. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as those recommended by the center for internet security and the open web application security project. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive audit trails for security incident response.