CVE-2005-3864 in SourceWell
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in SourceWell 1.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cnt parameter. NOTE: various reports indicate that the affected version is 1.1.3, but as of 2005-11-29, the most recent version appears to be 1.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3864 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceWell content management system version 1.1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The cnt parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing remote adversaries to inject malicious sql code that gets executed on the underlying database server. The discrepancy in version reporting between 1.1.2 and 1.1.3 highlights the challenges in vulnerability tracking and the importance of accurate version identification in security assessments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the application's sql query construction process. When the cnt parameter is submitted through user requests, the application directly incorporates this input into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This fundamental flaw in the application's data handling creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious sql syntax. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the affected web application. According to cwE-89 standards, this represents a classic sql injection vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute operating system commands on the database server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the database, potentially extracting confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-critical records. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database entries, potentially causing significant disruption to the application's functionality and data integrity. In a broader context, this vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the attack framework where adversaries target web application input validation weaknesses to achieve persistent access and data exfiltration. The long lifespan of this vulnerability, existing since 2005, demonstrates how poorly implemented input validation can create lasting security risks that persist across multiple system versions and remain exploitable for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and parameterized query techniques. Organizations should implement input validation that filters or escapes special sql characters and employs prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql code from user data. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to SourceWell version 1.1.3 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input handling mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on sql query construction and implement automated testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks and standards including owasp top ten guidelines for preventing sql injection vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar input validation flaws do not exist in other parts of the application infrastructure.