CVE-2007-5425 in ActiveKB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in Interspire ActiveKB 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the questId parameter in a hideQuestion ToDo action. NOTE: the catId vector is already covered by CVE-2007-5131.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5425 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Interspire ActiveKB 1.5 content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface component located at admin/index.php, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query constructs. The flaw manifests when processing the questId parameter within the hideQuestion ToDo action, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through crafted sql commands.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector operates through the web application's administrative functionality, where the questId parameter is processed without adequate input filtering, allowing malicious actors to inject sql payloads that bypass authentication and authorization controls. This particular vulnerability affects the hideQuestion ToDo action, suggesting that the application's administrative workflow contains insufficient parameter validation for database operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and application configuration data. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify or delete critical knowledge base content, disrupt service availability, and potentially establish persistent access points.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5425 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper sql escaping and sanitization procedures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in database operations. The solution requires comprehensive input validation that rejects or sanitizes potentially malicious sql characters and keywords. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within the administrative interface can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security measures should include regular security audits, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious sql injection attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the credential access and defense evasion domains, as attackers could use this weakness to extract database credentials and subsequently evade detection through sql command manipulation. Given that the catId vector is already addressed by CVE-2007-5131, administrators should ensure comprehensive patch management across all related vulnerabilities to prevent layered attacks that could exploit multiple sql injection vectors simultaneously.