CVE-2013-5697 in Mod Accounting
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in mod_accounting.c in the mod_accounting module 0.5 and earlier for Apache allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a Host header.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5697 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the mod_accounting apache module version 0.5 and earlier. This module serves as an accounting framework for apache web servers, designed to track and log various server activities including access patterns, resource usage, and connection statistics. The vulnerability specifically resides in the mod_accounting.c file where improper input validation occurs when processing the Host header parameter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious Host headers that contain sql payload commands, which then get executed against the underlying database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic sql injection vulnerability pattern where user-controllable input directly influences database query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of http request headers, specifically targeting the Host header field that is commonly used in http/1.1 requests to specify the domain name or ip address of the server being requested. When the mod_accounting module processes this header, it fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates an environment where malicious sql commands can be injected and executed with the privileges of the database user account under which the apache process operates. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it a severe threat vector for database compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5697 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database destruction depending on the attacker's privileges and intentions. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable apache installations with the mod_accounting module enabled, potentially exposing sensitive information including user credentials, financial data, and business-critical records. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in application security, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent user input from directly influencing database query execution paths. The attack vector follows typical patterns described in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation phases, where initial compromise leads to deeper system access.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to apache mod_accounting version 0.6 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling the mod_accounting module if it is not essential for their operations, or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious host header patterns. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that database accounts used by apache have minimal necessary privileges. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar flaws in other apache modules or third-party components that may be susceptible to similar injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper input validation mechanisms and ensure that all user-controllable inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before being used in database queries, following established security best practices and industry standards for secure coding.