CVE-2001-1472 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in prefs.php in phpBB 1.4.0 and 1.4.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands and gain administrative access via the viewemail parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1472 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the phpBB bulletin board system version 1.4.0 and 1.4.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the prefs.php script which handles user preferences and settings. The flaw exists in how the application processes the viewemail parameter, creating an avenue for authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers who already have valid user credentials to escalate their privileges and gain administrative access to the forum system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the phpBB application code. When an authenticated user submits a request containing a malicious viewemail parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates a classic sql injection vector where attacker-controlled data can directly influence the sql command execution flow. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability that has plagued web applications for decades. The attack requires only basic authentication credentials, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who can leverage legitimate user access to escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides complete administrative control over the affected phpBB installation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate user accounts, modify forum content, access sensitive user information, and potentially use the compromised system as a platform for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire forum system, as it allows for unauthorized access to administrative functions that control user management, forum configuration, and content moderation. This type of privilege escalation attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning, making it a comprehensive threat vector that can be exploited for broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected phpBB versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. System administrators should implement proper parameterized queries and input filtering mechanisms to prevent sql injection attacks from occurring. Additional protective measures include restricting administrative access through network segmentation, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits of phpBB installations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper code review processes and input validation practices in web application development, as this flaw could have been prevented through adherence to secure coding standards. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintain regular backup procedures to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful compromise.