CVE-2007-6170 in Asterisk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Call Detail Record Postgres logging engine (cdr_pgsql) in Asterisk 1.4.x before 1.4.15, 1.2.x before 1.2.25, B.x before B.2.3.4, and C.x before C.1.0-beta6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) ANI and (2) DNIS arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
The CVE-2007-6170 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the asterisk telecommunications platform's call detail record logging system. This vulnerability specifically affects the cdr_pgsql module which handles postgresql database logging of call data records. The flaw exists in multiple versions of asterisk including 1.4.x before 1.4.15, 1.2.x before 1.2.25, B.x before B.2.3.4, and C.x before C.1.0-beta6, indicating a widespread issue affecting various release branches of the platform. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to telephony infrastructure data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of two specific arguments within the call detail record processing pipeline: ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service) parameters. These parameters are commonly used in telephony systems to identify caller and called party information. When these arguments are not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into sql queries within the cdr_pgsql module, attackers can inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter escaping and query construction practices within the database interaction code, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql execution context through carefully crafted input values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Since asterisk systems are commonly deployed in enterprise telephony environments, the compromise of call detail records can expose sensitive communication data including caller identification, call duration, destination numbers, and potentially confidential business communications. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized database access, potentially leading to data exfiltration, database corruption, or even lateral movement within network infrastructure if the telephony system is integrated with other business applications. The remote authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where telephony systems are exposed to external networks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of asterisk software, applying the relevant security patches, and implementing proper input validation measures. The vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and maps to attack techniques within the attack tree framework such as command injection and database manipulation. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to telephony systems, and access controls should be strengthened to reduce the attack surface. Regular security auditing of telephony infrastructure and implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers against similar vulnerabilities in the future.