CVE-2010-4703 in HotWeb Rentals
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in default.asp in HotWebScripts HotWeb Rentals allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the PageId parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4703 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the HotWebScripts HotWeb Rentals application, specifically affecting the default.asp component. This weakness resides in how the application processes user input through the PageId parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and execute unauthorized commands. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql statements. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the PageId parameter to inject sql commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns where user-controllable parameters directly influence query construction without proper sanitization. The PageId parameter serves as the attack vector, allowing remote adversaries to submit crafted input that alters the intended sql execution flow. This flaw typically manifests when the application concatenates user input directly into sql queries rather than utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sql command construction. Such weaknesses provide attackers with potential access to database contents, including user credentials, personal information, and application data.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4703 extends beyond simple data exposure, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform complete database compromise operations. Remote attackers could potentially extract, modify, or delete sensitive information from the HotWeb Rentals database, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and potential financial losses for affected organizations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from anywhere on the internet. This type of vulnerability also provides a foundation for further attacks, as database access often enables attackers to escalate privileges or pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded due to the application's default configuration, suggesting that many installations might be vulnerable without proper security hardening.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution. Organizations should immediately implement proper input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters commonly used in sql injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic sql query construction to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql code from user data. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can help detect and block malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application logic. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase, as sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The remediation efforts should also include restricting database user permissions to minimize potential damage from successful attacks, ensuring that applications only have access to necessary database resources.