1. Introduction
VP-ASP Multiple Script SQL Injection is a flaw in the VP-ASP shopping cart program that allows attackers to run malicious database commands. This can compromise sensitive data like customer details and financial information, impacting business operations and reputation. Systems running vulnerable versions of VP-ASP are at risk. A successful attack could lead to loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability exists because VP-ASP does not properly validate user input in shopaddtocart.asp, shopaddtocartnodb.asp, and shopproductselect.asp. An attacker can inject SQL code into these scripts via web requests. This allows them to bypass security checks and execute arbitrary commands against the database server. No specific CVE is currently associated with this vulnerability.
- Root cause: Missing input validation in ASP script files.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request containing malicious SQL code within parameters used by the affected scripts. For example, injecting `’ OR ‘1’=’1` into an input field could bypass authentication.
- Scope: VP-ASP shopping cart program versions prior to the fix detailed in http://www.nessus.org/u?47e969b3 are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability involves checking the version of VP-ASP installed, or testing for SQL injection directly.
- Quick checks: Check the application’s ‘About’ page or configuration files for the VP-ASP version number.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 30985 can detect this vulnerability. Other web scanners may also identify it using SQL injection tests.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for suspicious requests containing SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) targeting the affected script files.
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps detail how to fix this SQL injection vulnerability.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access to the affected ASP script files. A roll back plan is to restore from backup.
- A change window may be required depending on your organisation’s policies; approval from a senior IT administrator might be needed.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the updated VP-ASP files or patch from http://www.nessus.org/u?47e969b3.
- Step 2: Replace the existing shopaddtocart.asp, shopaddtocartnodb.asp and shopproductselect.asp files with the updated versions.
- Step 3: Restart the web server service to apply the changes.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
After
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue.
- Practice 2: Least privilege limits the impact if an attacker gains access. Ensure the database account used by VP-ASP has only the necessary permissions.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
N/A – This vulnerability is best addressed through manual file replacement and configuration changes.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by checking the updated script versions and re-testing for SQL injection.
- Post-fix check: Verify that the shopaddtocart.asp, shopaddtocartnodb.asp and shopproductselect.asp files have been replaced with the latest versions as provided in http://www.nessus.org/u?47e969b3.
- Re-test: Run a SQL injection test against the affected script files using a tool like sqlmap or by manually crafting malicious requests. The tests should no longer succeed.
- Smoke test: Confirm that core shopping cart functionality (adding items, viewing the cart, checkout) still works as expected.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any failed SQL injection attempts targeting the affected scripts.
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines and implement input validation checks.
- Baselines: Update your web server security baseline to include requirements for input validation and secure coding practices.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular patch review cycle for all third-party applications, including VP-ASP.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Replacing the script files could cause temporary downtime or compatibility issues.
- Risk or side effect 1: Replacing the files may disrupt shopping cart functionality if the new version is incompatible with your database schema. Test thoroughly in a staging environment first.
- Risk or side effect 2: Downtime during file replacement and web server restart. Schedule this change during off-peak hours.
- Roll back: Restore the original shopaddtocart.asp, shopaddtocartnodb.asp and shopproductselect.asp files from your backup and restart the web server service.
8. References and Resources
Links to official advisories and documentation.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?47e969b3
- NVD or CVE entry: N/A – No specific CVE is associated with this vulnerability.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Refer to the VP-ASP documentation provided with the updated files from http://www.nessus.org/u?47e969b3.