CVE-2016-20096 in VOS2009
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2026
Linknat VOS3000 and VOS2009 through version 2.1.2.0 contain an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands by manipulating the name parameter in a POST request to the login endpoint. Attackers can inject malicious SQL through the login form and retrieve injected query results from a subsequent session request, enabling extraction of plaintext credentials and other database content with DBA-level privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2026
This vulnerability affects Linknat VOS3000 and VOS2009 versions up to 2.1.2.0 and represents a critical unauthenticated sql injection flaw in the authentication mechanism. The vulnerability exists within the login endpoint where the name parameter from POST requests is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into sql queries. This allows remote attackers to construct malicious sql payloads that can manipulate database operations without requiring prior authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic sql injection pattern where user input flows directly into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. When an attacker submits a malformed name parameter containing sql commands, the application processes these commands within its database context, enabling arbitrary sql execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the login form handling mechanism and leverages the subsequent session request processing to extract results from the injected queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete database access equivalent to dba-level privileges. Successful exploitation enables unauthorized individuals to extract plaintext credentials stored in the database, access sensitive configuration data, modify user accounts, and potentially escalate their privileges within the system. The unauthenticated nature of this flaw means that any remote attacker can exploit it without requiring valid login information, making it particularly dangerous for networked systems.
This vulnerability maps directly to cwe-89 sql injection and aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and credential access phases. The attack chain typically involves reconnaissance to identify vulnerable versions, crafting malicious payloads targeting the specific parameter, executing the injection against the login endpoint, and then extracting results through subsequent session requests. Organizations should immediately implement input validation measures including proper parameterization of database queries, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough patch management procedures.
The remediation approach requires immediate deployment of vendor patches or updates to versions that address this sql injection vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, monitor for suspicious login attempts, and conduct comprehensive security audits of all database interactions. Additionally, implementing proper input validation controls and output encoding mechanisms will prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future while maintaining compliance with security standards such as nist 800-53 and iso 27001 requirements for secure application development practices.