CVE-2005-4668 in ParosProxy
Summary
by MITRE
The embedded HSQLDB in ParosProxy before 3.2.7, when running with JDK 1.4.2 before 1.4.2_08, allows local users to execute arbitrary comands via crafted SQL commands that interact with HSQLDB through JDBC, a similar vulnerability to CVE-2003-0845.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4668 represents a critical command execution flaw within the ParosProxy web application security testing tool. This issue specifically affects versions of ParosProxy prior to 3.2.7 and occurs when the tool operates with JDK 1.4.2 versions earlier than 1.4.2_08. The vulnerability stems from the embedded HSQLDB database component that ParosProxy utilizes for its internal data storage and processing capabilities. HSQLDB, being a Java-based database management system, provides JDBC connectivity for database operations, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests through crafted SQL commands that exploit weaknesses in how HSQLDB processes database queries when accessed through JDBC interfaces within the ParosProxy environment. This vulnerability operates at the database interaction layer where user-supplied SQL input is not properly sanitized or validated before execution. Attackers can construct malicious SQL statements that, when processed by the vulnerable HSQLDB implementation, trigger unintended system command execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows local users to execute arbitrary commands on the system running ParosProxy, effectively bypassing normal application security boundaries and potentially escalating privileges to the level of the running process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables full system command execution capabilities for local attackers. This means that an attacker with local access to a system running vulnerable ParosProxy versions could potentially gain complete control over the host machine, execute malicious code, modify system files, or establish persistence mechanisms. The similarity to CVE-2003-0845 indicates this represents a known pattern of vulnerabilities in database systems where JDBC interfaces fail to properly validate input, creating opportunities for command injection attacks. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate security of ParosProxy but also potentially compromises the broader security posture of organizations that rely on this tool for web application security testing, as it could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to testing environments.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through version updates to ParosProxy 3.2.7 or later, which contain patches addressing the HSQLDB command execution flaw. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that affected JDK installations are updated to version 1.4.2_08 or later, as the vulnerability is specifically tied to older JDK versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local system access to ParosProxy installations, reducing the attack surface for local privilege escalation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and follows patterns identified in ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for input validation and proper command execution handling in database interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other embedded database systems within security tools and applications.