CVE-2015-6516 in sysPass
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in cygnux.org sysPass 1.0.9 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the search parameter to ajax/ajax_search.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The CVE-2015-6516 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the sysPass password management system version 1.0.9 and earlier, affecting the cygnux.org software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the ajax_search.php endpoint within the application's ajax directory, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly the search parameter that is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users submit malicious input through the search functionality, which then flows directly into sql command construction. This design flaw violates fundamental security principles of input validation and output encoding, allowing attackers to inject sql payloads that can execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector that operates at the application layer, where user input is improperly handled in database operations. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a well-documented weakness in database interaction security practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6516 extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as it enables attackers to perform complete database manipulation including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially privilege escalation within the application's database environment. Remote authenticated access means that attackers need only valid user credentials to exploit this vulnerability, reducing the attack surface significantly. The implications include unauthorized access to stored passwords, user credentials, and potentially sensitive organizational data that the password manager system is designed to protect. This vulnerability undermines the core security purpose of password management systems, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the password database and associated user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6516 should focus on immediate application updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns, while also enforcing strict input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. The fix should incorporate proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection, along with input sanitization techniques that remove or escape special sql characters. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of database interactions will help reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it demonstrates how application-level flaws can be exploited to achieve database-level access, and represents a clear violation of security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-53 family of security controls.