CVE-2007-4540 in Olatedownload
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in download.php in Olate Download (od) 3.4.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) HTTP_REFERER or (2) HTTP_USER_AGENT HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4540 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Olate Download (od) 3.4.2 web application, specifically affecting the download.php script. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization of HTTP headers, creating an avenue for remote attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted header values. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data originating from HTTP headers, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes within the database context. Such flaws typically arise from inadequate security measures in web application development where developers assume all input is trustworthy and fail to implement proper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-89 indicates a direct SQL injection weakness where attacker-controllable data flows into SQL commands without adequate sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of two specific HTTP headers: HTTP_REFERER and HTTP_USER_AGENT. When these headers are processed by the download.php script without proper sanitization, attackers can craft requests containing malicious SQL payloads within these header values. The HTTP_REFERER header typically contains the URL of the page that linked to the resource being requested, while the HTTP_USER_AGENT header identifies the client software making the request. Attackers exploit these headers because they are often processed by web applications without sufficient validation, assuming that these values are benign. When the application incorporates these unfiltered headers directly into SQL queries, the malicious code executes with the privileges of the database user, potentially allowing full database compromise, data theft, or unauthorized modifications. This type of injection attack operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4540 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to unauthorized database access, data manipulation, or even system command execution if the database user has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects organizations using Olate Download 3.4.2, which typically serve as file download platforms where user interaction is common and database queries are frequent. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from databases, modify existing records, create new user accounts, or establish persistent access points. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Organizations may face significant operational disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities remain unpatched. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK tactics including T1071 for application layer protocol usage and T1083 for system information discovery, as attackers often use such vulnerabilities to gather intelligence about the target environment. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching of the affected software, implementation of proper input validation and sanitization, use of parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual patterns in HTTP headers that may indicate exploitation attempts.