CVE-2005-4140 in Website Baker
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/login/index.php in Website Baker 2.6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter, as used by the user field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The CVE-2005-4140 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Website Baker 2.6.0's administrative login component. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin/login/index.php file where user authentication occurs, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the username parameter before incorporating it into SQL query constructions, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user.
This technical flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically identifies SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software applications that handle database interactions. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper input validation and parameterized query construction in the application's authentication logic. When an attacker submits a specially crafted username value containing SQL payload characters, the application processes this input directly within the SQL statement without adequate sanitization, enabling the execution of unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend. This allows for complete database enumeration, data manipulation, unauthorized access to user accounts, and potential privilege escalation within the application's database structure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify user credentials, delete database records, or even gain deeper system access depending on the database user's permissions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4140 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Website Baker or apply the necessary code modifications to sanitize all user inputs before database processing. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks, as these approaches separate SQL code from data values, preventing malicious input from being interpreted as executable commands. Additionally, applying the principle of least privilege to database users and implementing proper access controls can limit the damage potential of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should also be configured to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate SQL injection attack attempts, aligning with the defensive strategies outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for database-related adversary tactics.