CVE-2005-4643 in Oncontent Cms
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Antharia OnContent // CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pid parameter. NOTE: it is not clear, but this might be an application service provider, in which case it might be excluded from CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4643 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Antharia OnContent content management system, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the pid parameter, which serves as a primary identifier for content pages within the CMS architecture. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector through SQL injection aligns with common attack patterns documented in the cybersecurity community, particularly those targeting web application frameworks and content management systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Antharia OnContent CMS. When the pid parameter is processed in the index.php script, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. This weakness creates an exploitable pathway where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands through the pid parameter, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, making it a direct descendant of well-established security weaknesses in database interaction patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data manipulation, unauthorized user account creation, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. 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 organizations relying on web-based content management solutions. Given that this vulnerability affects a CMS platform, the potential damage can be extensive, potentially allowing attackers to modify website content, steal sensitive information, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because content management systems often contain sensitive administrative data and user information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4643 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Antharia OnContent CMS installation, as this represents the most effective solution to address the root cause. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles, following secure coding practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 suggests that attackers may use this weakness as part of broader reconnaissance and exploitation campaigns, making comprehensive network monitoring and intrusion detection systems essential for early identification of compromise attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.