CVE-2005-3497 in PHP Handicapper
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** SQL injection vulnerability in process_signup.php in PHP Handicapper allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the serviceid parameter. NOTE: on 20060210, the vendor disputed this issue, saying "this is 100% false reporting, this is a slander campaign from a customer who had a vulnerability in his SERVER not the software." However, followup investigation strongly suggests that the original report is correct.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3497 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the process_signup.php component of PHP Handicapper software. This security weakness manifests through the improper handling of user-supplied input in the serviceid parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The disputed nature of this vulnerability stems from vendor denial claims that the reported issue was actually a server-side configuration problem rather than a software flaw, with the vendor asserting this was a "slander campaign" from a dissatisfied customer. However, subsequent investigations have provided substantial evidence supporting the original vulnerability report, indicating that the flaw indeed exists within the application's codebase and represents a legitimate security concern.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs when the process_signup.php script fails to properly sanitize or validate the serviceid parameter before incorporating it into sql database queries. Attackers can craft malicious input containing sql commands that bypass normal input validation mechanisms, allowing them to execute arbitrary sql statements against the underlying database. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a common weakness in software applications where untrusted data is embedded into sql queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector enables remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing threat actors to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for complete system compromise and data breach scenarios. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, financial information, or other sensitive data stored within the application's database. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user registration and account management functions. This weakness can result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage for organizations using the affected software, particularly in environments where personal or financial data is processed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3497 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper output encoding and escape sequences when handling user input, ensuring that special sql characters are properly sanitized before database processing. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which addresses application layer attacks through proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security code reviews, and applying the latest vendor patches should form part of the comprehensive defense strategy. Database access controls and monitoring mechanisms should also be strengthened to detect and prevent unauthorized sql command execution attempts.