CVE-2008-5926 in Internal E-Mail System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in login.asp in ASP-DEv Internal E-Mail System allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) login parameter (aka user field) or the (2) password parameter (aka pass field). NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The CVE-2008-5926 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the ASP-DEv Internal E-Mail System's login.asp component, where multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities exist within the authentication mechanism. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of user credentials through the login parameter and password parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter sanitization within the web application's authentication flow, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the SQL query structure through crafted input values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector operates through the web application's user interface where login credentials are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the core authentication functionality. When an attacker submits malicious input through either the user field or pass field parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into database queries, thereby enabling the execution of unintended SQL operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the entire database system underlying the email application. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, data exfiltration, modification of user credentials, and potentially complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the internal email system, as attackers could use the SQL injection to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or even execute operating system commands if the database server allows such functionality. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the ASP-DEv system for internal communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5926 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code. Organizations must ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and that database interactions utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code execution. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection layers. Security patches should be applied immediately to address the vulnerability, and the application should be restructured to follow secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application architecture. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper database access controls to limit the potential damage from successful attacks.