CVE-2002-1457 in L-Forum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php for L-Forum 2.40 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements via the search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1457 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the L-Forum 2.40 web application that exposes the system to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the search.php script which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement adequate input filtering mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the search functionality. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over remote network connections, enabling attackers to exploit the vulnerability from external systems without requiring local access or authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted input through the search parameter field in the search.php script. The application processes this input directly within SQL query construction without any form of input validation or sanitization, allowing malicious SQL commands to be executed within the database context. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database system. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input handling and query parameterization practices that are essential security measures in modern web application development. When the search parameter is processed, the application constructs SQL statements by concatenating user input directly into query strings, creating an environment where malicious input can alter the intended query structure and execute unintended database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1457 extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable full system infiltration and persistent access to the underlying database infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details that may reveal additional system weaknesses. The vulnerability also provides potential for privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain administrative access to the database or even the underlying operating system if database permissions are improperly configured. This type of vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol usage, specifically targeting web application interfaces. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that may result in significant financial and reputational damage to organizations using affected versions of L-Forum.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being incorporated into database operations. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to eliminate the possibility of SQL injection through input manipulation. Additionally, the application should enforce proper input length restrictions and character validation to prevent malicious payloads from being processed. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious query patterns. Security hardening practices should include regular security assessments, code reviews focusing on input handling, and implementing proper access controls and database permissions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web applications updated with the latest security patches and following secure coding practices as outlined in industry standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security.