CVE-2011-1061 in WSN Guest
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in memberlist.php in WSN Guest 1.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the time parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1061 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WSN Guest 1.24 web application, specifically affecting the memberlist.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the time parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that the database will execute with the privileges of the web application's database user account.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a code injection technique that occurs when user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The time parameter in memberlist.php serves as the attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the input to alter the intended SQL query structure. This allows for unauthorized access to database contents, potential data manipulation, and in severe cases, complete database compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access or authentication.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using WSN Guest 1.24, as it enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, data integrity violations, and denial of service conditions. Attackers could extract user credentials, personal information, and other confidential data stored in the database, while also potentially modifying or deleting critical records. The remote exploit capability means that threat actors can target the application from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for automated attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1061 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of WSN Guest where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor likely released a security update addressing the issue. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, database access controls, and regular security audits can help prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation efforts should follow established security frameworks such as those recommended by the ATT&CK framework, which emphasizes the importance of input validation and secure coding practices to prevent injection attacks. Database administrators should also implement principle of least privilege access controls and regularly monitor database logs for suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.