CVE-2005-4330 in iHTML Merchant
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in browse.ihtml in iHTML Merchant Mall allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id, (2) store, and (3) step parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4330 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the iHTML Merchant Mall application's browse.ihtml component. This security weakness specifically affects the handling of user-supplied input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability manifests through three distinct parameter vectors: id, store, and step, all of which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The affected application fails to properly escape or filter user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL command structures, thereby exposing the system to unauthorized database access and potential data compromise.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw demonstrates a classic insecure coding practice where user input directly influences database query construction without proper sanitization mechanisms. The attack surface extends across multiple parameter fields, amplifying the potential impact as any of these three vectors can be exploited to inject malicious SQL commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially enabling complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized system access. The iHTML Merchant Mall application's failure to implement proper input validation creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive customer information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. 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 target system. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability also provides attackers with opportunities to establish persistent access points or deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised environment, creating long-term security implications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4330 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected iHTML Merchant Mall application to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization measures across all user-supplied parameters, including the id, store, and step parameters mentioned in the vulnerability description. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions to prevent malicious SQL code injection. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database activities. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of SQL injection, specifically targeting database systems through web application interfaces.