CVE-2005-3003 in NooTopList
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in NooTopList 1.0.0 release 17 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) o or (2) sort parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3003 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the NooTopList web application version 1.0.0 release 17. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user input parameters are improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability specifically affects two parameters named 'o' and 'sort' which are processed without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the application's database layer.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates under the well-documented CWE-89 category of sql injection, where untrusted data flows directly into sql command execution contexts. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. When an attacker manipulates the 'o' or 'sort' parameters, they can construct malicious sql payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables full database manipulation capabilities for remote attackers. An attacker could leverage this flaw to access confidential user information, modify or delete database records, escalate privileges within the application, or potentially gain access to the underlying database server. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data or business-critical information.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations using legacy web applications that have not received proper security updates or code reviews. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to protect against this specific vulnerability while also conducting comprehensive security audits of their entire application portfolio. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in web applications.