CVE-2016-5048 in ReadyDesk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in chat/staff/default.aspx in ReadyDesk 9.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user name field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The CVE-2016-5048 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in ReadyDesk 9.1's chat/staff/default.aspx component that exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the username field parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an exploitable condition that enables attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted malicious input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation and input sanitization mechanisms within the web application's authentication and user management components. When users submit data through the username field, the application processes this input without proper filtering or escaping, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that can manipulate the underlying database. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 classification for sql injection, which is categorized as a common weakness in software development practices that directly impacts data integrity and system security. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5048 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, gain persistent access, and establish backdoors within the application infrastructure. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including t1071.004 for application layer protocol and t1190 for exploit public-facing application, demonstrating how this flaw can be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns targeting web applications and database systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query execution mechanisms throughout the application codebase. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input sanitization measures to filter malicious payloads before they reach the database layer. The recommended approach includes implementing proper parameterized queries, input escaping mechanisms, and comprehensive output encoding to prevent malicious sql code from being executed. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. The fix involves ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes strict validation and that database interactions utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries to eliminate the possibility of sql injection attacks. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.