CVE-2016-7405 in ADOdb Library
Summary
by MITRE
The qstr method in the PDO driver in the ADOdb Library for PHP before 5.x before 5.20.7 might allow remote attackers to conduct SQL injection attacks via vectors related to incorrect quoting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The CVE-2016-7405 vulnerability resides within the ADOdb Library for PHP, specifically in the qstr method of the PDO driver component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable remote attackers to execute unauthorized SQL commands against vulnerable applications. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of string quoting mechanisms within the database abstraction layer, creating a pathway for malicious input to bypass intended security controls. The affected versions include all releases prior to 5.20.7, making a substantial portion of PHP applications potentially susceptible to this attack vector.
The technical flaw manifests in the qstr method's inability to correctly sanitize and quote string parameters when interfacing with database systems through PDO drivers. When applications utilize ADOdb's database abstraction layer to construct SQL queries, the qstr method is responsible for properly escaping special characters and ensuring that user-provided input cannot be interpreted as executable SQL code. However, the implementation contains a logic error that allows certain sequences of characters to bypass the quoting mechanism, effectively permitting attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments into database queries. This vulnerability specifically targets the PDO driver implementation within ADOdb, distinguishing it from similar issues in other database abstraction layers.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7405 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, escalate privileges within database systems, or even gain access to underlying server resources. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the target system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive data. Applications using ADOdb with PDO drivers for database connectivity are at risk, especially those processing user input without additional sanitization measures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a primary weakness in database security.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to ADOdb version 5.20.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the qstr method implementation. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries at the application level provides defense-in-depth measures that can protect against exploitation even if the underlying library remains vulnerable. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual database query patterns that might indicate SQL injection attempts, while network segmentation and access controls can limit potential damage from successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database abstraction libraries and following secure coding practices that prevent injection vulnerabilities at multiple layers of application architecture. This issue also correlates with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, as attackers can manipulate the database interaction protocols through crafted input sequences that exploit the flawed quoting mechanism.