CVE-2010-4921 in Polling Booth Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc_pollingboothmanager.asp in DMXReady Polling Booth Manager allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the QuestionID parameter in a results action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The CVE-2010-4921 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in DMXReady Polling Booth Manager's inc_pollingboothmanager.asp component. This vulnerability specifically targets the QuestionID parameter within the results action, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to inject crafted SQL payloads that bypass normal application security controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameterized queries or input filtering mechanisms, which are fundamental defensive measures against SQL injection attacks.
This security weakness operates at the application layer and directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of database operations within the polling booth management system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database access, data manipulation, or even complete system compromise depending on the database permissions and underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is exposed to external traffic. The specific targeting of the QuestionID parameter suggests that the application's dynamic SQL construction does not properly escape or validate this particular input field, creating a direct injection point.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4921 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Organizations using DMXReady Polling Booth Manager may experience unauthorized access to sensitive polling data, manipulation of election results, or disruption of polling operations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and it maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190 for SQL injection attacks. The implications are particularly severe for election-related systems where data integrity and system availability are paramount, as this vulnerability could potentially compromise the democratic process itself.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to eliminate the possibility of SQL injection through user input. The application code must be updated to properly validate and sanitize all input parameters, particularly those used in database operations. Additionally, implementing proper input length limits, character set restrictions, and output encoding can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable component to untrusted networks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while also implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing database-related security incidents that can have far-reaching consequences for system integrity and user trust.