CVE-2015-4118 in ISPConfig
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in monitor/show_sys_state.php in ISPConfig before 3.0.5.4p7 allows remote authenticated users with monitor permissions to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the server parameter. NOTE: this can be leveraged by remote attackers using CVE-2015-4119.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4118 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ISPConfig web-based management interface. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 3.0.5.4p7 and resides in the monitor/show_sys_state.php script that handles system monitoring functionalities. The flaw enables authenticated users with monitor permissions to inject malicious SQL commands through the server parameter, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on ISPConfig for their hosting infrastructure management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a direct result of insufficient input validation and sanitization. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input from the server parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows an attacker to manipulate the intended database query execution flow and potentially execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only monitor-level authentication, which is often granted to less privileged users within hosting environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information and potentially escalate privileges within the database layer. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands means that attackers could extract confidential data, modify database records, or even gain access to underlying system resources. The vulnerability's exploitation becomes more severe when combined with CVE-2015-4119.2, which demonstrates how this weakness can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain to achieve more significant system compromise. Organizations using ISPConfig versions before the patched release face substantial risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2015-4118 involves immediate patching to ISPConfig version 3.0.5.4p7 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query handling. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit monitor permission assignments, ensuring that only trusted personnel have access to system monitoring interfaces. Additionally, monitoring database query logs for suspicious activity and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping critical management interfaces updated and following secure coding practices that prevent SQL injection through proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their web-based management systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.