CVE-2007-5704 in Online Event Registration
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in CodeWidgets.com Online Event Registration Template allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) Email Address and (2) Password fields in (a) login.asp and (b) admin_login.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5704 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the CodeWidgets.com Online Event Registration Template software. This vulnerability affects the authentication mechanisms of the web application by permitting unauthorized remote attackers to manipulate database queries through specifically crafted input parameters. The flaw manifests in two distinct locations within the application's codebase, namely the login.asp and admin_login.asp files, where user credentials are processed. Both the Email Address and Password fields serve as primary attack vectors, enabling malicious actors to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication procedures and potentially compromises the entire database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's database interaction layers. When user-supplied data enters the system through the vulnerable fields, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This design flaw allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that manipulate the intended query execution flow, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, making it a well-documented and highly dangerous security flaw. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database access, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5704 extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user data including email addresses, passwords, and other personal information stored within the event registration database. The vulnerability affects both standard user login functionality and administrative access points, creating multiple attack surfaces that could be exploited to gain elevated privileges. Organizations utilizing this template may face significant consequences including data loss, privacy violations, and compliance breaches, particularly if the application handles sensitive personal information or business-critical data. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or insider knowledge to initiate attacks, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. Organizations should immediately implement input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against SQL injection threats, as these approaches ensure that user input is treated as literal data rather than executable code. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened through proper authentication mechanisms, including account lockout policies and secure password storage practices. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application and surrounding systems, aligning with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The remediation process must also include thorough testing of the patched application to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the vulnerability pathways that attackers could exploit.