CVE-2005-3852 in Owos Lite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.asp in Online Work Order Suite (OWOS) Lite Edition for ASP 3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the keyword parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2017
The CVE-2005-3852 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Online Work Order Suite Lite Edition for ASP 3.0 web application. This vulnerability specifically affects the search.asp component which processes user input through the keyword parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's data handling processes, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the database query execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a persistent security flaw where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates entirely through remote access, eliminating the need for local system compromise or physical access to the target infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the underlying database system. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands including data manipulation, deletion, or extraction of sensitive information from the database. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers can potentially elevate their access level to administrative privileges within the database environment. This creates a significant risk for organizations using the Online Work Order Suite, as the database likely contains critical business information including customer data, financial records, and operational details that could be compromised through this vulnerability. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the vulnerability exists in the search functionality, which is typically a frequently accessed feature of business applications, making exploitation more likely and impactful.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of why proper input validation and parameterized queries are essential defensive measures in web application development. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices such as those recommended in the owasp top ten security risks, specifically addressing injection flaws that remain among the most prevalent and dangerous vulnerabilities in web applications. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching of the affected software, deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, and thorough input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in legacy systems that may not have received adequate security updates over time. Implementation of proper database access controls and the principle of least privilege can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate sql injection attacks, while regular security awareness training for developers can help prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.