CVE-2008-5973 in Active Web Mail
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.aspx in Active Web Mail 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5973 represents a critical sql injection flaw in Active Web Mail 4.0's login.aspx component. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user authentication inputs, specifically targeting the password parameter during the login process. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql commands within the password field, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system and its stored information. The flaw manifests when the application directly concatenates user input into sql statements without proper parameterization or input sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow by injecting malicious sql syntax through the password parameter. The attack vector operates over the network without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by remote attackers. When a user submits a login request with malicious input in the password field, the application processes this input directly within sql queries, enabling attackers to either extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing sql injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5973 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can result in complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can retrieve user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the application's database. The consequences include data breaches, privacy violations, and potential regulatory compliance issues under various data protection frameworks. Organizations using Active Web Mail 4.0 face significant risk of unauthorized data access, which could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database entries, potentially disrupting service availability and integrity. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including credential access and data extraction, demonstrating how a single sql injection flaw can provide attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5973 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure user input cannot alter the sql command structure. The application must validate and sanitize all user inputs, particularly those used in authentication flows, before processing them within database operations. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not reveal database structure information to users is crucial. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on sql injection prevention techniques, ensuring that all database interactions properly handle user-supplied data. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of Active Web Mail or migrating to more secure authentication systems that follow established security practices for preventing sql injection vulnerabilities.