CVE-2015-6915 in Limited ResourceSpace
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Montala Limited ResourceSpace 7.3.7009 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "user" cookie to plugins/feedback/pages/feedback.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2015-6915 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in ResourceSpace version 7.3.7009 and earlier, developed by Montala Limited. This vulnerability exists within the feedback plugin component at plugins/feedback/pages/feedback.php, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input originating from the "user" cookie parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the "user" cookie value to include malicious SQL payload that gets directly incorporated into database queries executed by the feedback.php script. The lack of input validation and proper parameterization in the application code creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can alter the intended execution path of SQL statements. This vulnerability can be leveraged to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive user data.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6915 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain persistence, or extract confidential information from the ResourceSpace application database. The vulnerability's location within a feedback plugin suggests that it could be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns or web application attacks targeting the feedback functionality. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers might use the compromised system to establish command and control communications or further exploit other network services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6915 should prioritize immediate patching of the ResourceSpace application to version 7.3.7010 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering malicious traffic patterns associated with SQL injection attacks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security practices including secure coding guidelines that prevent injection vulnerabilities through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms.