Source: disclosure@vulncheck.com
Web Wiz Forums 12.01 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the PF parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to member_profile.asp with malicious PF values to extract sensitive database information.
Web Wiz Forums 12.01 is vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw, allowing unauthenticated attackers to compromise the database. Exploitation grants attackers the ability to extract sensitive data, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data breaches. This vulnerability poses a significant risk due to its ease of exploitation and potential for widespread impact.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the PF parameter within the member_profile.asp script. The application directly incorporates user-supplied data from the PF parameter into SQL queries without proper sanitization or escaping. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code, altering the intended query logic and enabling them to extract, modify, or delete data from the database. The root cause is a failure to implement parameterized queries or prepared statements, which would have prevented the injection of malicious SQL code. The lack of input validation allows for arbitrary SQL code execution.
While no specific APTs are definitively linked, this type of vulnerability is commonly exploited by various threat actors, including those seeking to steal data for financial gain or to establish a foothold within a network. This vulnerability is a prime target for opportunistic attackers. CISA KEV status is unknown, but likely not present due to the age of the vulnerability.
Web server logs: Examine web server access logs for suspicious GET requests to member_profile.asp with unusual or malicious-looking values in the PF parameter. Look for common SQL injection keywords (e.g., SELECT, UNION, OR, AND, --, ', 1=1).
Database logs: Review database logs for unusual query activity, especially queries originating from the web server. Look for queries that appear to have been modified or injected with malicious code.
Network traffic analysis: Analyze network traffic for GET requests to member_profile.asp containing SQL injection payloads. Use a network intrusion detection system (NIDS) or web application firewall (WAF) to identify malicious traffic.
File integrity monitoring: Monitor the integrity of critical files, including member_profile.asp, to detect any unauthorized modifications.
Upgrade to the latest version of Web Wiz Forums or a patched version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability. If no patch is available, consider the following mitigations.
Implement input validation: Thoroughly validate all user-supplied input, including the PF parameter. Sanitize the input to remove or escape any potentially harmful characters or SQL keywords.
Use parameterized queries or prepared statements: Rewrite all SQL queries to use parameterized queries or prepared statements. This prevents the direct embedding of user-supplied input into SQL queries.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to filter and block malicious traffic, including SQL injection attempts.
Apply the principle of least privilege: Ensure that the database user account used by the web application has the minimum necessary privileges to perform its tasks. This limits the potential damage if the database is compromised.
Regularly scan for vulnerabilities: Conduct regular vulnerability scans of the web application to identify and address any security weaknesses.