CVE-2005-4632 in Vote Pro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in poll_frame.php in Vote! Pro 4.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the poll_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4632 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Vote! Pro 4.0 content management system, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.0. This security weakness resides in the poll_frame.php script which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability manifests when the poll_id parameter is manipulated by remote attackers, creating an opportunity to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution chain. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without adequate protection mechanisms. The attack vector exploits the lack of input validation and proper parameter binding, allowing malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the poll_id parameter within the poll_frame.php script, where user-supplied input is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to database interaction creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account associated with the Vote! Pro application. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, data manipulation, and potential system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information, modify existing records, create new database entries, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet.
The implications of this vulnerability align with tactics documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Organizations running affected versions of Vote! Pro face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where input validation and sanitization mechanisms are entirely absent from the application's data handling process. This weakness is particularly concerning as it affects core application functionality related to polling systems, which may contain sensitive voter data or administrative information. The lack of proper input filtering and parameterized queries creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited by automated scanning tools or determined attackers. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient data validation can lead to catastrophic consequences in database-driven web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4632 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Vote! Pro where this vulnerability has been patched and the codebase properly implements input sanitization techniques. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple levels including application logic, database layer, and network perimeter controls. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious database access patterns. Database access should be restricted to minimum required privileges, and all user inputs should undergo strict sanitization before being processed by the application. The remediation process must also include thorough code review practices to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and establish secure coding standards that prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.