CVE-2005-4390 in ContentServ
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in ContentServ 3.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the StoryID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4390 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within ContentServ version 3.1 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the StoryID parameter. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures.
This security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in application security where untrusted data is directly embedded into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4390 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in full system compromise through database-level attacks. Attackers can manipulate database contents, extract confidential information, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the ContentServ application, which likely serves content management functions and may contain sensitive user data, configuration information, or business-critical content. Database administrators and security teams face significant risk as this flaw can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to production environments and potentially pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should implement proper escape sequences and use stored procedures or prepared statements to handle database interactions securely. The recommended approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques for preventing command injection attacks, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through database interfaces. System administrators should also apply the latest security patches provided by ContentServ vendors, implement network segmentation to limit database access, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts and help detect unauthorized database access patterns.