CVE-2015-1513 in Enterprise PBX
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in SIPhone Enterprise PBX allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Username.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The CVE-2015-1513 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the SIPhone Enterprise PBX system, a unified communications platform widely deployed in enterprise environments for voice and video conferencing services. This vulnerability specifically resides within the authentication handling mechanism of the PBX system, where user input validation is insufficiently implemented. The flaw manifests when the system processes user credentials through the Username parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the underlying database environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution without requiring any prior authentication, making it a severe threat vector for unauthorized system access and data compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the SIPhone Enterprise PBX authentication module. When a user attempts to log in, the system accepts the Username parameter directly without adequate escaping or parameterization of SQL query construction. This design flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation over network connections, eliminating the need for physical access or insider knowledge of the system. Attackers can craft malicious username inputs containing SQL payload sequences that manipulate the database query execution flow, potentially extracting sensitive information, modifying user accounts, or even gaining administrative privileges within the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1513 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database-level access that can lead to complete system compromise. Enterprise PBX systems typically store sensitive information including user credentials, call logs, personal data, and potentially business-critical communications metadata. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to voice communications, disruption of business operations, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks. Organizations using this PBX system face significant risk of regulatory compliance violations, particularly under data protection frameworks such as GDPR or HIPAA, depending on the nature of the data being processed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1513 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate patching of the SIPhone Enterprise PBX software to address the identified SQL injection flaw, as vendors typically provide security updates to resolve such issues. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within all database interactions will prevent future occurrences of this vulnerability class. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of PBX systems to untrusted networks, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular credential rotation to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.