CVE-2011-4801 in Authenex Strong Authentication System Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in akeyActivationLogin.do in Authenex Web Management Control in Authenex Strong Authentication System (ASAS) Server 3.1.0.2 and 3.1.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The CVE-2011-4801 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Authenex Strong Authentication System server software, specifically affecting versions 3.1.0.2 and 3.1.0.3. This vulnerability resides in the akeyActivationLogin.do component of the Authenex Web Management Control, which serves as a critical authentication interface for the strong authentication system. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions through the username parameter, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it affects the core authentication mechanism of a strong authentication system, which typically handles sensitive user credentials and authentication data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the username parameter processing. When a user submits a username through the authentication login interface, the application fails to properly escape or validate special characters that could be interpreted as SQL syntax by the underlying database engine. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that contain SQL commands, which then get executed by the database server without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector because the attacker does not require local system access or authentication to exploit the flaw. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can manipulate database contents, potentially gaining access to user accounts, authentication tokens, and other sensitive system information. This vulnerability demonstrates poor application security practices and inadequate parameter validation mechanisms that are fundamental to preventing SQL injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4801 is severe and multifaceted, particularly for organizations relying on the Authenex Strong Authentication System for their security infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the authentication system, allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the authentication server, potentially causing service disruption while simultaneously providing attackers with a foothold for further attacks within the network. Organizations using this system may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive authentication data is compromised, especially in environments governed by standards such as pci dss or hipaa. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a direct path to database manipulation, user account compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a strong authentication system, which typically serves as a critical security control for protecting sensitive assets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4801 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the specific SQL injection vulnerability in the akeyActivationLogin.do component. Implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions within the application. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable authentication system to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the authentication infrastructure. Organizations should also implement robust monitoring and logging of authentication attempts to detect potential exploitation activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as owasp top 10 and iso 27001 for application security controls. Security awareness training for developers should emphasize the critical importance of input validation and proper database interaction techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.