CVE-2007-1630 in Active Link Engine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in default.asp in ActiveWebSoftwares Active Link Engine allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the catid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The CVE-2007-1630 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Active Link Engine software produced by ActiveWebSoftwares. This vulnerability specifically affects the default.asp component and manifests through the catid parameter, creating a dangerous attack vector that enables remote adversaries to execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected system. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user input within the web application's database interaction logic, where the catid parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate and sanitize input data before processing it within sql statements. When a malicious actor submits a crafted catid parameter containing sql payload characters, the application processes this input directly within its sql query construction without proper escaping or parameter binding mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data flows directly into database commands, creating an environment where attacker-controlled sql code can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with potentially complete database access and control. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects a default.asp page, indicating this vulnerability exists in standard installations without requiring specialized configuration or setup. This makes the vulnerability exploitable across numerous deployments of the Active Link Engine software, amplifying the potential impact. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques described in the attack tree framework where sql injection represents a well-established method for database compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1630 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization measures that filter or escape special sql characters from all user-supplied parameters including catid. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic sql query construction to parameterized queries or stored procedures that separate sql code from data. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database user privilege management can limit the damage from successful exploitation. Security measures should include web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts, along with regular security auditing of web applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security standards such as those defined by the open web application security project owasp which specifically addresses sql injection prevention techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.