CVE-2005-2954 in ATutor
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in password_reminder.php in ATutor before 1.5.1 pl1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the email field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2954 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the password_reminder.php component of ATutor learning management system versions prior to 1.5.1 pl1. This vulnerability resides within the email field parameter handling mechanism, creating a significant security risk that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The flaw specifically affects the password recovery functionality, which is a fundamental component of any web application's user management system. When users attempt to reset their passwords, the system processes the email address provided through the password_reminder.php script, making this interface a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits maliciously crafted data into the email field during the password reset process. The application fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. This type of injection can enable attackers to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to user credentials and personal information. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper parameterized queries or adequate input sanitization mechanisms.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using ATutor platforms, particularly those handling sensitive educational data or user information. Attackers can exploit this flaw to access user accounts, steal personal information, manipulate course content, or disrupt educational services. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or network to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous. Organizations may experience significant reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to data breaches resulting from this vulnerability. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the database layer. This vulnerability is especially concerning in educational environments where ATutor systems may store student records, grades, and other sensitive academic information, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to access institutional data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2954 primarily involve upgrading to ATutor version 1.5.1 pl1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that user input cannot be interpreted as executable SQL code. Input validation should be enforced at multiple levels, including client-side and server-side validation, with strict filtering of special characters and SQL keywords. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The implementation of proper error handling mechanisms can also prevent information leakage that might aid attackers in developing exploitation techniques. Security patches should be applied promptly, and organizations should maintain awareness of security advisories related to their software components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems, and demonstrates the critical need for robust input validation practices as outlined in industry security frameworks.