CVE-2014-4735 in MyWebSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in MyWebSQL 3.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the table parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
The CVE-2014-4735 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in MyWebSQL version 3.4 and earlier, exposing web applications to persistent security risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the table parameter within the index.php endpoint, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of affected user sessions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of client-side code injection that can compromise user security and data integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code within the table parameter of the index.php script. When the vulnerable application processes this input without proper sanitization, the injected code becomes part of the dynamic web page content and executes in the victim's browser. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even establish persistent backdoors within the application environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering tactics involving the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4735 is significant for organizations utilizing MyWebSQL 3.4 or earlier versions, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the database management interface, potentially allowing unauthorized users to access sensitive database information or manipulate database operations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly found in legacy web applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MyWebSQL is a database administration tool that often requires elevated privileges and access to sensitive data, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for database security. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader web application security frameworks and implement comprehensive input validation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4735 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MyWebSQL installations to version 3.5 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. In the interim, administrators should implement input sanitization measures such as implementing proper HTML entity encoding for all user-supplied data, utilizing parameterized queries, and establishing robust input validation routines that reject potentially malicious content. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar input validation flaws within the broader application ecosystem, as this vulnerability type frequently appears in legacy web applications. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the implemented fixes do not break existing functionality while effectively neutralizing the XSS attack vector. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities.