CVE-2005-3578 in Walla TeleSite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ts.exe (aka ts.cgi) in Walla TeleSite 3.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands via the sug parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3578 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Walla TeleSite 3.0 web application suite, specifically within the ts.exe component also known as ts.cgi. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The affected component serves as a gateway for various telecommunication services within the Walla TeleSite platform, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise underlying database systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the sug parameter without adequate input sanitization, allowing crafted malicious input to be directly interpreted as SQL commands by the database engine.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of the sug parameter in the ts.exe module. When a remote attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields that are then executed by the database. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database queries in ways that can lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The implications are severe as Walla TeleSite was designed for enterprise telecommunication services, meaning that successful exploitation could result in widespread disruption of communication services and potential exposure of confidential business information. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain administrative access to database systems, allowing them to modify or delete critical data. Furthermore, the persistence of this vulnerability across versions up to 3.0 indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's input validation architecture, suggesting that multiple components may be susceptible to similar attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3578 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query construction techniques. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters that could be used in SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves using parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL code from user input, effectively neutralizing the injection threat. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious patterns associated with SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their telecommunication infrastructure, as the presence of one SQL injection vulnerability often indicates potential for additional security flaws within the same application architecture.