CVE-2013-7175 in Visual CertExam Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Avanset Visual CertExam Manager 3.3 and earlier allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) Title, (2) File name, or (3) Candidate Name field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The CVE-2013-7175 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Avanset Visual CertExam Manager version 3.3 and earlier, exposing multiple SQL injection attack vectors that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input across three distinct fields including Title, File name, and Candidate Name, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core administrative functionality. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database layer through these input fields, potentially compromising the entire backend database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Visual CertExam Manager application. When users submit data through the affected fields, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended query execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax that gets processed by the database engine. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2013-7175 extends beyond simple data theft, as authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, extract sensitive examination data, modify candidate information, or even gain complete control over the database through privilege escalation techniques. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for cybercriminals targeting educational institutions or certification organizations that rely on this software. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning, as attackers would likely use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and expand their foothold within the network.
Organizations utilizing Visual CertExam Manager should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing proper input validation at all application layers, and establishing robust database access controls. The recommended approach involves implementing parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding to prevent malicious SQL code from being executed. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools to track and alert on suspicious SQL command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that even authenticated applications must maintain robust security controls to prevent privilege escalation attacks.