CVE-2005-4312 in Almond Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in AlmondSoft Almond Classifieds 5.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4312 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the AlmondSoft Almond Classifieds 5.02 web application. This security weakness resides in the index.php file and specifically targets the id parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields that are subsequently executed by the database server. This particular flaw enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization within the application's data handling processes. When the id parameter is passed to the index.php script, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This omission creates an environment where malicious users can inject sql commands that manipulate the database directly through the web interface. The vulnerability allows for complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, deletion, and potential privilege escalation to database administrator level access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive user information, modify classified listings, or even gain access to administrative functions.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using AlmondSoft Almond Classifieds 5.02 as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions against the classifieds database. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential service disruption, data corruption, and reputational damage for businesses relying on the classifieds platform. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if personal data is compromised, and the vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploitation of remote services through sql injection, making it a common target for automated scanning tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4312 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized queries implementation. Organizations must ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and validated before being processed by the database. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries which separate sql code from data, preventing malicious sql from being executed. Additionally, proper input filtering should be implemented to reject suspicious characters and patterns commonly associated with sql injection attacks. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security audits and code reviews help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software updated and applying security patches promptly, as this issue was likely resolved in subsequent versions of the classifieds platform. Organizations should consider implementing database access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized database activities, while establishing incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.