CVE-2005-3469 in News2Net
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in News2Net 3.0.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3469 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the News2Net content management system version 3.0.0.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script and manifests through the category parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through malicious SQL commands. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, making it a direct instance of SQL injection vulnerability. The security implications are severe as attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain complete control over the database server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malformed category parameter value to the index.php script. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious SQL syntax to be executed within the database context. This attack vector enables unauthorized users to perform operations such as UNION-based queries, boolean-based inference, or time-based blind SQL injection techniques. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can facilitate privilege escalation attacks, data corruption, and denial of service conditions. Attackers may leverage this weakness to enumerate database schemas, extract user credentials, or modify content within the news management system. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through database manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3469 is substantial for organizations utilizing News2Net 3.0.0.0, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by threat actors at any time. Organizations may experience data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the type of data stored within the affected database. The vulnerability also poses risks to system availability and integrity, as attackers could potentially delete or corrupt database records. Furthermore, the exposure of this vulnerability through the web interface means that any user with access to the affected website could potentially exploit it, creating both internal and external attack surface expansion. The long-term consequences include compromised user trust, potential financial losses, and reputational damage. System administrators must consider the possibility of lateral movement within networks if the database server has access to other systems, as SQL injection attacks often serve as initial compromise vectors for more extensive attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database access controls, as well as the necessity of regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent such widespread exposure to known vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing SQL injection attacks.