CVE-2002-1482 in phpGB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.php for phpGB 1.20 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is not enabled, allows remote attackers to gain administrative privileges via SQL code in the password entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1482 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpGB 1.20 content management system that specifically targets the login.php script. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction practices that were prevalent in web applications during the early 2000s. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the php configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration setting was often disabled in production environments for performance reasons or due to compatibility issues, making systems more susceptible to exploitation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user input within the authentication process. When users attempt to log in through the login.php interface, their password input is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary sql code through the password field, effectively bypassing normal authentication procedures. The vulnerability operates under the common weakness pattern identified as cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a persistent threat that can allow attackers to execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it specifically targets administrative privileges within the phpGB system. Successful exploitation enables remote attackers to assume full administrative control over the affected web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this privilege escalation to modify or delete content, access sensitive user data, alter database structures, and potentially use the compromised system as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the attack pattern framework, particularly those involving credential compromise and privilege escalation. The attack vector specifically targets the authentication mechanism, which is a common entry point for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to web applications. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings for security protection. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including regular patching, input validation, and the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in modern applications. The vulnerability also highlights the critical importance of not disabling security features like magic_quotes_gpc without proper compensating controls in place, as this configuration setting provided automatic protection against many sql injection attacks in older php applications.