CVE-2011-5203 in WebBoard
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in WB/Default.asp in Akiva WebBoard before 8 SR 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the name parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2011-5203 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Akiva WebBoard software version 8 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the WB/Default.asp component which processes user input through the name parameter without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw exists within the application's database interaction layer where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate escaping or parameterization techniques. This vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql command structure in applications, making it a fundamental weakness in data protection and application security architecture. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database by injecting malicious sql code through the name parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or executing destructive operations on the database system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the name parameter in the WB/Default.asp script. The application fails to implement proper input validation or sanitization measures, allowing sql payload injection directly into the database query execution context. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged by attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and violates fundamental security principles regarding input handling and database query construction, creating an attack surface that enables privilege escalation and data compromise scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5203 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. Successful exploitation could result in complete database exposure, allowing attackers to extract sensitive user information, authentication credentials, or business data. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing data integrity issues and system availability problems. Organizations running affected versions of Akiva WebBoard face significant risk of regulatory compliance violations, especially if the compromised data includes personally identifiable information or protected health information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity, increasing the attack surface and potential impact. This vulnerability also represents a failure in the application's security testing and quality assurance processes, highlighting gaps in defensive coding practices and security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5203 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of vendor patches or updates to version 8 SR 1 or later. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent sql injection attacks, including the use of parameterized queries or prepared statements. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by the application have minimal required permissions and access rights. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to vulnerable components and restrict unauthorized network access. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security testing practices throughout the software development lifecycle, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control and credential access through application layer exploitation.