CVE-2003-0657 in phpGroupWare
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the infolog module for phpgroupware 0.9.14 and earlier could allow remote attackers to conduct unauthorized database actions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0657 represents a critical security flaw within the infolog module of phpgroupware versions 0.9.14 and earlier. This issue manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that create pathways for unauthorized remote attackers to execute malicious database operations. The infolog module serves as a component for managing and tracking information within the phpgroupware framework, making it a potentially valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the infolog module's database query construction processes. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL statements without proper escaping or parameterization, attackers can manipulate the intended query structure. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account used by phpgroupware. The vulnerability specifically affects how the application processes parameters passed to database queries, creating opportunities for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0657 extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data modification, deletion, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications. The potential consequences include complete database compromise, data corruption, privilege escalation, and unauthorized access to confidential information stored within the phpgroupware system. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise without proper mitigation measures.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpgroupware was designed for collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared data systems. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper input validation mechanisms, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications and implement proper database access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates in maintaining the integrity of collaborative software platforms.