CVE-2005-3325 in Basic Analysis
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in (1) acid_qry_main.php in Analysis Console for Intrusion Databases (ACID) 0.9.6b20 and (2) base_qry_main.php in Basic Analysis and Security Engine (BASE) 1.2, and unspecified other console scripts in these products, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sig[1] parameter and possibly other parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3325 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting widely used network security analysis tools including the Analysis Console for Intrusion Databases (ACID) version 0.9.6b20 and the Basic Analysis and Security Engine (BASE) version 1.2. These applications serve as essential interfaces for security professionals to analyze intrusion detection system alerts and security events, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to compromise security monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically resides in the parameter handling mechanisms of these security tools, where user-supplied input is inadequately sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. This flaw manifests in two primary locations within the software architecture, with acid_qry_main.php and base_qry_main.php representing the most significant attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands directly against the underlying database systems that store security event information, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive security data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where the sig[1] parameter serves as the primary entry point for malicious input. When attackers manipulate this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL fragments that bypass normal access controls and execute with the privileges of the database user account under which the security application operates. The vulnerability extends beyond the explicitly mentioned files to unspecified other console scripts within these applications, indicating a systemic design flaw in the input validation and parameter handling mechanisms throughout the software suite. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous categories of web application vulnerabilities. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS, though more specifically relates to T1046: Network Service Scanning and T1566: Phishing, as attackers would need to identify and exploit these vulnerabilities to gain deeper access to security infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of the security monitoring environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate or delete security event data, potentially covering their tracks while simultaneously gaining access to sensitive information about network intrusions and security incidents. The compromised database may contain detailed logs of security events, user activities, and system configurations that could be leveraged for further attacks against the network infrastructure. Additionally, the database access privileges granted through this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate their access to administrative functions within the security monitoring tools themselves, potentially allowing them to modify alerting rules, disable security features, or even install backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the network or system to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these tools for critical security monitoring operations. Organizations using these vulnerable applications face significant risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential compromise of their entire security infrastructure, as the compromised tools become potential entry points for attackers targeting the broader network environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including patching or upgrading to versions that address the SQL injection flaws in both ACID and BASE applications. Organizations should implement input validation and parameter sanitization measures at multiple levels including application code, web application firewalls, and database access controls. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent direct concatenation of user input into SQL commands. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit database access to only necessary application components and users. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security tools and applications. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines for secure coding, all user inputs should be validated, sanitized, and properly escaped before being used in database operations. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security tools and the critical need for regular security assessments of all components within security infrastructure to prevent such widespread exploitation opportunities.