CVE-2002-1879 in LokwaBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in LokwaBB 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) member parameter to member.php or (2) loser parameter to misc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1879 represents a critical sql injection flaw in LokwaBB version 1.2.2, a web-based bulletin board system that was widely used in the early 2000s for community forums and discussion platforms. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically targeting two distinct entry points within the software's codebase. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious sql code through carefully crafted input values, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that protect the system's data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the member.php and misc.php scripts of the LokwaBB application. When the application processes the member parameter in member.php or the loser parameter in misc.php, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account associated with the web application. The vulnerability specifically maps to CWE-89 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, making it a classic example of sql injection as classified by the common weakness enumeration framework.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing LokwaBB 1.2.2 systems, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database without requiring legitimate credentials. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as malicious actors can modify database contents, delete records, or even escalate privileges to gain complete administrative control over the affected system. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or network to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of LokwaBB systems during the early 2000s era when web application security practices were less mature. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046 which involves network service scanning that can lead to sql injection exploitation. Organizations with systems running this vulnerable software face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing sql injection attacks, as highlighted by industry best practices established through frameworks like the owasp top ten project. Remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper input sanitization, using parameterized queries, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy web applications.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the historical context of web application security development during the early 2000s, when many php-based applications suffered from similar sql injection flaws due to inadequate security awareness and development practices. This vulnerability exemplifies how simple input validation failures can lead to catastrophic security consequences, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices and regular security audits of deployed web applications. Organizations that continue to operate legacy systems without proper security updates face ongoing risks from vulnerabilities like CVE-2002-1879, underscoring the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection threats.