CVE-2007-1437 in SQL-Ledger
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in LedgerSMB before 1.1.5 and SQL-Ledger before 2.6.25 allows remote attackers to overwrite files and possibly bypass authentication, and remote authenticated users to execute unauthorized code, by calling a custom error function that returns from execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1437 represents a critical security flaw affecting LedgerSMB versions prior to 1.1.5 and SQL-Ledger versions prior to 2.6.25. This unspecified vulnerability manifests through a custom error function that exhibits improper execution flow handling, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by both remote attackers and authenticated users. The flaw resides in the application's error handling mechanism where a custom error function fails to properly terminate execution, allowing attackers to manipulate program flow and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file overwrites to include authentication bypass capabilities and unauthorized code execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where financial data is processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper exception handling within the error processing subsystem. When the custom error function is invoked, it fails to properly return from execution as expected, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can influence program flow beyond the intended error handling scope. This behavior aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" vulnerabilities where programs do not properly handle exceptions, and may also relate to CWE-74, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component." The flaw demonstrates characteristics of a buffer overflow or injection vulnerability where attacker input can manipulate the execution path of the application. The specific mechanism involves the error function's return behavior being improperly managed, allowing for potential code injection or file manipulation attacks through crafted input parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected versions of LedgerSMB or SQL-Ledger, as it creates multiple attack vectors that can be exploited remotely without authentication. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data corruption. The authentication bypass capability means that even if users are authenticated, they might be able to escalate privileges or access unauthorized functionality. Additionally, the ability to execute unauthorized code represents a severe threat that could allow attackers to install backdoors, modify financial records, or extract sensitive data. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of financial applications, with potential business continuity implications for organizations relying on these accounting systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in financial fraud, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1437 should focus on immediate version upgrades to LedgerSMB 1.1.5 or SQL-Ledger 2.6.25, which contain the necessary patches to address the flawed error handling mechanism. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these applications and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation should be strengthened at all application entry points to prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable error handling functions. Security audits should be conducted to verify that custom error handling functions properly terminate execution and do not allow arbitrary code execution. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage if exploitation occurs. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated versions to ensure that the patched error handling functions behave correctly and that no new vulnerabilities have been introduced. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls and web application security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts against this and similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and potentially T1566 for credential access, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat this vulnerability presents to enterprise security posture.