CVE-2005-2478 in SilverNews
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in SilverNews 2.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user field on the login page in the Admin control panel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2478 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within SilverNews 2.0.3 software, specifically targeting the administrative control panel's login functionality. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-provided data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the user field on the login page, which serves as the primary authentication interface for administrators, thereby compromising the entire system's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. When administrators attempt to log in through the control panel, the system processes the username value without adequate protection mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly through the user field. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication and can be executed remotely, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user. This capability allows for complete database compromise, including but not limited to data exfiltration, unauthorized user creation, privilege escalation, and potentially system-wide destruction. The vulnerability affects the administrative control panel, meaning that attackers could gain full control over the SilverNews application, manipulate content, modify user permissions, and establish persistent backdoors within the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it exploits a publicly accessible application flaw to gain administrative access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the SilverNews 2.0.3 software to the latest available version that addresses the SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process must also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts to add additional layers of security beyond simple username and password authentication.