CVE-2005-2561 in MYFAQ
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in MYFAQ 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Theme parameter to (1) affichagefaq.php3, (2) choixsoustheme.php3, (3) consultation.php3, (4) insfaq.php3, (5) inssoustheme.php3, (6) instheme.php3, (7) saisiefaqtotale.php3, (8) saisiesoustheme.php3, or (9) voirfaq.php3, the SousTheme parameter to (10) affichagefaq.php3, (11) consultation.php3, (12) insfaq.php3, (13) inssoustheme.php3, (14) saisiefaq.php3, (15) saisiefaqtotale.php3, or (16) voirfaq.php3, the Faq parameter to (17) saisiefaq.php3, (18) voirfaq.php3, or (19) inssolution.php3, or (20) question parameter to affichagefaq.php3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2561 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting MYFAQ 1.0, a web-based FAQ management system that was widely used in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters across multiple PHP script files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the database structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability impacts a total of 20 distinct input parameters across various script endpoints, including theme selection, FAQ content management, and query processing functions. This widespread nature of the vulnerability indicates a fundamental design flaw in the application's input validation mechanisms, where developers failed to implement proper parameter sanitization across the entire codebase.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection pattern where attacker-controlled data is directly concatenated into SQL statements without adequate filtering or escaping. When an attacker submits malicious input through any of the vulnerable parameters, the application processes this data without proper validation, resulting in the execution of unintended SQL commands. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data extraction to include complete database compromise, allowing attackers to modify, delete, or exfiltrate sensitive information from the FAQ database. The attack vectors span across multiple application functionalities, from theme management and FAQ creation to consultation and search operations, demonstrating that the flaw is not isolated to a single component but rather represents a systemic security weakness. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2561 is severe and multifaceted, particularly given the nature of FAQ systems which often contain sensitive organizational information, user data, and business-critical content. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain complete control over the FAQ database, potentially leading to data breaches, information disclosure, and system compromise. The vulnerability's presence across multiple script files indicates that a single exploitation attempt could potentially affect the entire application ecosystem, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on MYFAQ for knowledge management. Organizations using this version of MYFAQ were at significant risk of unauthorized access to confidential data, including potentially sensitive user information, internal documentation, and business-related knowledge stored within the FAQ system. The long-term operational consequences include potential regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and the need for extensive forensic analysis and system rebuilding following exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through input validation and parameter sanitization across all affected script files. The most effective approach involves implementing proper SQL query parameterization techniques, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into SQL statements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of MYFAQ if available, or implement comprehensive input validation routines that filter out potentially malicious characters and patterns. Additionally, database access controls should be tightened to limit the privileges of the application's database user account, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other legacy applications. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-89 and its alignment with ATT&CK techniques emphasize the importance of implementing proper application security controls and conducting thorough code reviews to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.