CVE-2007-4110 in Threaded Discussion Forum Application
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in sign_in.aspx in Message Board / Threaded Discussion Forum Application Template allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Password parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4110 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Message Board / Threaded Discussion Forum Application Template, specifically affecting the sign_in.aspx component. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw manifests when the Password parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to employ proper parameterized queries or input validation techniques when handling user credentials. When a user submits a password through the sign_in.aspx page, the application directly incorporates this input into SQL command construction without appropriate escaping or sanitization measures. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is concatenated into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input transitions into database operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit weak input handling practices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations deploying the affected forum template, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive user data including passwords, personal information, and forum content. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially allow full database compromise, enabling attackers to modify or delete information, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even escalate their access to system-level operations. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications following the classic input validation failure pattern where user-supplied data flows directly into database operations without proper sanitization.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through the web interface of the forum application, where any user can submit login credentials through the sign_in.aspx page. Attackers can craft malicious password inputs containing SQL injection payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable application, execute unintended database operations. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated using common SQL injection tools, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Organizations using this forum template face substantial risk of data breaches and system compromise if the vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. Organizations should immediately apply security patches or code modifications that ensure all user inputs, particularly those used in database operations, are properly sanitized and validated before processing. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should replace direct string concatenation methods in SQL command construction. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering, database-level restrictions, and proper error handling that prevents information leakage. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation efforts should follow industry best practices established by standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to ensure comprehensive protection against similar injection vulnerabilities.