CVE-2003-0215 in bttlxeForum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bttlxeForum 2.0 beta 3 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via the (1) username and (2) password fields, and possibly other fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0215 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in bttlxeForum version 2.0 beta 3 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides within the authentication mechanism of the forum software, specifically targeting the username and password input fields that are commonly used for user authentication processes. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries through carefully crafted input sequences that are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the database engine.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user input within the application's database interaction code. When users enter credentials into the authentication form, the application constructs SQL queries by directly concatenating user-supplied values without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This creates an environment where malicious input can alter the intended query structure, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can manipulate the database behavior. The vulnerability affects not only the primary authentication fields but also potentially other input fields within the application that utilize similar unvalidated input processing patterns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to the security posture of affected systems. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, gaining unauthorized access to user accounts, administrative functions, and sensitive data stored within the forum database. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as attackers may be able to extract user credentials, modify user permissions, or even escalate privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to carry out successful attacks, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting the credential access and privilege escalation categories. The weakness demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate database query construction methods that are common in legacy applications. Organizations using affected versions of bttlxeForum face significant exposure risks, particularly in environments where the software is accessible to untrusted users or where sensitive information is stored in the database.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to a patched version of bttlxeForum where the SQL injection flaws have been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code injection. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing proper input validation mechanisms in all database-interacting applications.