CVE-2005-4370 in Acidcat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in main_content.asp in Acidcat 2.1.13 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ID parameter to default.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4370 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Acidcat content management system version 2.1.13 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the main_content.asp component and specifically affects the default.asp page where the ID parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the ID parameter, potentially enabling unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The technical implementation flaw occurs when user-supplied input from the ID parameter is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms. The absence of input validation creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected database server. This could result in complete database compromise, including data exfiltration, data modification, unauthorized user creation, and potential escalation to system-level access. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning for web applications that rely on dynamic SQL query construction without proper sanitization. Organizations running affected versions of Acidcat should immediately implement input validation measures, including parameterized queries, proper input sanitization, and output encoding to prevent malicious SQL injection attempts.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering, database-level query parameterization, and regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities. The recommended approach involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from data. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protective layers against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.