CVE-2005-4392 in e-publish
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in printer_friendly.cfm in e-publish CMS 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4392 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the e-publish Content Management System version 2.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the printer_friendly.cfm component which processes user input through the id parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's data handling mechanisms, specifically affecting how the system processes and incorporates user-supplied identifiers into SQL command structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the id parameter in the printer_friendly.cfm script. Without proper parameterized queries or input sanitization, the application directly incorporates the user-provided value into the SQL execution string, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in database interaction security, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of database queries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account. Attackers may gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate their privileges within the system. 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. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire CMS infrastructure, as the database layer represents the core of content management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4392 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and proper input validation techniques to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to e-publish CMS versions that address this vulnerability and implement proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters in user-supplied data. Network segmentation and database access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent the direct incorporation of user input into SQL command structures, aligning with industry best practices for preventing injection vulnerabilities.