CVE-2005-3865 in AllWeb search
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in AllWeb search 3.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3865 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the AllWeb search 3.0 software suite, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.0. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability manifests through the search parameter which serves as the primary attack vector, allowing remote threat actors to inject malicious sql code that executes with the privileges of the web application. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the integrity of the database layer and exposes sensitive information to unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's codebase. When users submit search queries through the web interface, the input data flows directly into sql execution statements without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is concatenated into sql commands without appropriate validation or encoding. The attack surface is particularly dangerous as it enables complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract, modify, or delete sensitive information stored within the system's backend databases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to user credential extraction, data manipulation, and privilege escalation. The implications for organizations using vulnerable versions of AllWeb search software are severe, as successful exploitation could result in complete loss of database integrity and confidentiality. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure, potentially facilitating further attacks against other systems within the organization's attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the threat actor's ability to target exposed web applications for initial compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3865 require immediate remediation through software updates and code modifications to address the underlying sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to AllWeb search 3.0 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched and proper input validation mechanisms have been implemented. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding practices can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.