CVE-2005-4020 in Widget Imprint
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in create.php in Widget Imprint 1.0.26 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the product_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4020 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Widget Imprint plugin version 1.0.26 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the create.php script which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the product_id parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for executing unauthorized database operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a weakness that occurs when an application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. The attack exploits the fundamental principle of input validation by allowing unfiltered user parameters to traverse the application's data processing pipeline unimpeded. The product_id parameter in create.php becomes the conduit through which attackers can manipulate the underlying database structure, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or even executing administrative database commands. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where applications are accessible over the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could retrieve confidential information including user credentials, personal data, and business-sensitive records stored within the database. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands opens pathways for privilege escalation, data manipulation, and persistent backdoor establishment within the compromised system. In a broader context, this vulnerability could facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database compromise often serves as a stepping stone for lateral movement and deeper system infiltration. The implications are particularly severe for web applications that rely heavily on database integrity and user authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4020 should prioritize immediate patching of the Widget Imprint plugin to version 1.0.27 or later, which addresses the SQL injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter and sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on database query parameters. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries serves as a robust defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks by separating SQL code from data. Additionally, database access controls should be strictly enforced through principle of least privilege, ensuring that application database accounts have minimal necessary permissions. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the application stack. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines to prevent such critical flaws in future development cycles.