CVE-2011-3688 in ConferenceManager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Sonexis ConferenceManager 9.3.14.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the g parameter to Conference/Audio/AudioResourceContainer.asp or (2) the txtConferenceID parameter to Login/HostLogin.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3688 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Sonexis ConferenceManager version 9.3.14.0. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that collectively expose the system to remote code execution through malicious SQL commands. The first vector involves the g parameter within the Conference/Audio/AudioResourceContainer.asp component, while the second targets the txtConferenceID parameter in the Login/HostLogin.asp module. Both paths allow unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL syntax directly into the application's input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the affected web application components. When the application processes the g parameter or txtConferenceID input without proper escaping or parameterization, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query construction. This design flaw enables attackers to craft malicious input strings that alter the intended query logic, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is used in SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with substantial database access capabilities that can lead to complete system infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage these SQL injection points to bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, and potentially gain access to sensitive conference data, user credentials, and system configurations. The vulnerability's exposure through web-facing components means that any user with access to the affected application can potentially exploit these flaws without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where conference management systems often contain sensitive business and personal information.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching of the Sonexis ConferenceManager application to the latest available version that contains proper input validation and SQL injection protection mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries and stored procedures throughout the application codebase will prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future versions. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their conference management systems and establish robust input validation policies that align with industry standards including those specified in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper database access controls and input sanitization practices that are fundamental to preventing SQL injection attacks across web applications.