CVE-2005-4651 in EPay
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in AlstraSoft EPay Pro 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pmodule parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4651 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the AlstraSoft EPay Pro 2.0 payment processing system. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and exploits the pmodule parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious input manipulation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database operations through malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers provide malicious input through the pmodule parameter in the index.php file. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates the user input into sql commands executed against the backend database. This creates an environment where attackers can inject arbitrary sql commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables full database access and manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify records, or even delete entire database tables. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution threat since successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4651 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Organizations using AlstraSoft EPay Pro 2.0 face significant risks including unauthorized financial transactions, customer data breaches, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability affects payment processing systems which are critical infrastructure components, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving sql injection and command execution, specifically covering tactics such as credential access and privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning in payment processing environments where sensitive financial data is routinely handled, making the exploitation of such vulnerabilities a high-priority concern for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization mechanisms that filter or escape special characters in user-supplied parameters before database processing. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, comprehensive application security testing including dynamic and static analysis should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the codebase. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while regular security updates and patches should be implemented to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also include access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database access attempts, ensuring that any exploitation attempts are quickly identified and responded to.