CVE-2005-2723 in PaFileDB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in auth.php in PaFileDB 3.1, when authmethod is set to cookies, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username value in the pafiledbcookie cookie.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2723 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PaFileDB 3.1 content management system that specifically affects the authentication mechanism when cookie-based authentication is enabled. This weakness resides in the auth.php script which fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query constructs. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes the username parameter contained within the pafiledbcookie cookie, allowing malicious actors to inject crafted sql payloads that bypass authentication controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the username value within the pafiledbcookie cookie, where attackers can inject sql syntax that gets directly executed by the database engine. This type of injection vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql command structure in applications. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and parameterized query usage, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql execution contexts without appropriate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. When the application processes this unvalidated input within the authentication flow, it creates an execution path that allows attackers to manipulate the sql query logic and potentially extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass as it provides attackers with potential database-level access that could compromise the entire PaFileDB installation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify file listings, delete database entries, or gain elevated privileges within the application. The cookie-based authentication method amplifies the risk as the malicious payload can be embedded within the cookie itself, making exploitation more stealthy and persistent. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of sql injection to gain access to databases, and T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage for persistence. The exposure of this flaw in a widely used file database system demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation issues can create significant security risks that affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire application infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and parameterized query usage throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves converting all sql query construction to use parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql logic from user data, thereby preventing the injection of malicious sql commands. Additionally, implementing proper cookie validation and sanitization measures, including input length restrictions and character set validation, can help prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection patterns, along with regular security audits and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process must include updating the PaFileDB software to a patched version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the original codebase contains fundamental security flaws that require comprehensive code restructuring to resolve properly.