CVE-2008-5365 in ActiveVotes
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in VoteHistory.asp in ActiveWebSoftwares ActiveVotes 2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the AccountID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5365 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the ActiveWebSoftwares ActiveVotes 2.2 web application, specifically affecting the VoteHistory.asp component. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input through the AccountID parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow by injecting malicious sql code through the AccountID parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. When the VoteHistory.asp page processes the AccountID parameter, it directly concatenates user input into sql statements without appropriate input validation or sanitization measures. This design flaw creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious payloads that alter the intended sql query structure, enabling them to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a common weakness in web application security where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete database compromise operations. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive user information, modify database contents, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even execute system commands on the database server. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or prior authentication. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, as the attack leverages the web application interface to execute malicious sql commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5365 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters that could be used in sql injection attempts. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries wherever database interactions occur, ensuring that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments, particularly for legacy web applications that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind. Organizations should also ensure that ActiveVotes 2.2 is updated to the latest available version or migrated to more secure alternatives, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's architecture that cannot be fully mitigated through defensive measures alone.