CVE-2005-4263 in Envolution
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the News module in Envolution allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) startrow and (2) catid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The CVE-2005-4263 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the news module of the Envolution content management system. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically targeting the startrow and catid parameters that are directly incorporated into sql query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious sql code through these vulnerable parameters, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database operations. When users provide values for startrow and catid parameters, the system directly concatenates these inputs into sql statements without appropriate filtering or parameter binding mechanisms. This design flaw creates an environment where malicious actors can inject sql payloads that alter the intended query execution flow, potentially leading to data retrieval, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that fail to properly validate or escape user inputs before incorporating them into database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized administrative access to the underlying database system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 application layer protocol and T1566 credential access, as it provides pathways for both information gathering and unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4263 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the vendor to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. The recommended approach includes using prepared statements with parameter binding for all database queries, implementing strict input validation rules, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as OWASP top ten to prevent sql injection attacks in web applications.