CVE-2007-0347 in CVSTrac
Summary
by MITRE
The is_eow function in format.c in CVSTrac before 2.0.1 does not properly check for the " " (quote) character, which allows remote authenticated users to execute limited SQL injection attacks and cause a denial of service (database error) via a character in certain messages, tickets, or Wiki entries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0347 affects CVSTrac version 2.0.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the application's input validation mechanisms. This issue resides within the is_eow function located in the format.c file, which is responsible for processing text input in various application components including messages, tickets, and Wiki entries. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of the quote character, creating a pathway for malicious input to bypass normal sanitization procedures. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the character, which when improperly processed can lead to unintended SQL command execution. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that can be exploited by authenticated users who possess legitimate access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the bounds of legitimate user permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper input sanitization and validation practices. The is_eow function's inadequate handling of quote characters means that when users submit content containing these specific characters, the system fails to properly escape or filter them before processing. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that can be executed against the underlying database. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication to exploit, which means that unauthorized access to the system is not sufficient - an attacker must first establish valid credentials. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the context of privilege escalation and authenticated attack vectors rather than purely unauthenticated threats. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation to include potential denial of service conditions, where malformed SQL commands can cause database errors that disrupt system operations and potentially expose sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using affected versions of CVSTrac. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute limited SQL injection attacks against the database backend, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information, modify data, or disrupt database operations. The denial of service component means that even if the primary SQL injection attempts are blocked, the system can still be rendered unavailable through database errors caused by malformed input. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-89, which describes SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database communication protocols. Organizations may face data integrity issues, service disruption, and potential unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the CVSTrac system's database. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as authenticated users can exploit this flaw to gain additional unauthorized access or cause system instability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to CVSTrac version 2.0.1 or later, which addresses the specific input validation issue in the is_eow function. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures, particularly focusing on quote character handling and SQL escaping mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of authenticated attacks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database activity that might indicate SQL injection attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws in other application components. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce new functionality issues while maintaining the application's core operational capabilities. Database administrators should also implement proper error handling and logging to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, ensuring that any SQL injection attempts are properly recorded and investigated.