CVE-2005-4611 in Free ClickBank
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in Free ClickBank 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the keywords parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4611 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Free ClickBank 1.0 software suite, specifically affecting the search.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the keywords parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database query execution path, potentially compromising the entire backend database system. The vulnerability affects all versions of Free ClickBank up to and including version 1.0, indicating a long-standing security issue that was never properly addressed in the software's development lifecycle. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate database queries through seemingly benign user input fields, making detection and prevention challenging.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted input through the keywords parameter in the search.php script. The application fails to properly escape or filter special SQL characters and keywords, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted as part of the SQL command rather than as data. This creates a situation where attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account under which the application operates. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval, as attackers may be able to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, delete records, or even gain administrative access to the database system. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer attacks targeting database systems. The lack of input validation and proper parameterization in the database query construction process demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the confidentiality and integrity of the application's data. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive user information, transaction data, and other confidential records stored within the ClickBank system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to compromise the system, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. Organizations using affected versions of Free ClickBank face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate privileges within the database, potentially leading to full system compromise. This type of vulnerability commonly results in extended forensic investigations, system restoration requirements, and remediation efforts that can disrupt business operations for weeks or months.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4611 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to a patched version of Free ClickBank if available, or implement custom code modifications to sanitize all user input before processing. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimum necessary privileges, ensuring that application accounts cannot perform administrative database operations. Input filtering should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level validation, web application firewalls, and database-level protections. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, specifically addressing the need for proper input sanitization and output encoding. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure ongoing protection against evolving attack vectors.