CVE-2007-1779 in Advanced Website Creator
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the MySQL back-end in Advanced Website Creator (AWC) before 1.9.0 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified parameters, related to use of mysql_escape_string instead of mysql_real_escape_string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1779 represents a critical security flaw in the Advanced Website Creator application's database interaction mechanisms. This issue affects versions prior to 1.9.0 and stems from improper handling of user input within the MySQL back-end operations. The vulnerability manifests through multiple SQL injection vectors that could potentially enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database system. The root cause lies in the application's reliance on mysql_escape_string function rather than the more secure mysql_real_escape_string function for sanitizing user-supplied data before database queries.
The technical implementation flaw demonstrates a classic SQL injection vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The mysql_escape_string function, while present in older MySQL versions, does not properly escape all special characters in all contexts, leaving gaps that malicious actors can exploit to bypass input validation. This function fails to account for different character sets and connection encodings, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code through unspecified parameters within the AWC application. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input flows directly into database queries without adequate sanitization, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Advanced Website Creator versions before 1.9.0. Remote attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the database, including user credentials, personal information, and application configuration details. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential database corruption, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to target the application, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments. This weakness could enable attackers to perform actions such as data deletion, modification, or unauthorized data extraction that could result in substantial business disruption and regulatory compliance violations.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate upgrading to Advanced Website Creator version 1.9.0 or later, which addresses the improper SQL escaping mechanism by implementing mysql_real_escape_string or equivalent secure database interaction methods. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameterized queries as defensive measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database processing. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications or systems using the deprecated mysql_escape_string function, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other components. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated application to ensure that the SQL injection vulnerabilities are fully resolved while maintaining application functionality. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts and provide early warning of security incidents related to SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of proper database security practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation choices in data sanitization can result in critical security exposures that can be exploited remotely by threat actors.