CVE-2003-0735 in phpWebSite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Calendar module of phpWebSite 0.9.x and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries, as demonstrated using the year parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0735 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the calendar module of phpWebsite version 09x and earlier systems. This security weakness specifically manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates through the year parameter, which serves as a direct interface point for malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, where insufficient sanitization of input data creates opportunities for attackers to execute unauthorized database commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits maliciously crafted input through the year parameter in the calendar module. Without proper input validation or parameterized query construction, the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into sql statements, allowing attackers to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. This flaw enables remote code execution capabilities and potentially full database compromise, as attackers can manipulate query structures to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since no local access or authentication is required to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass complete system integrity breaches. Organizations running vulnerable phpWebsite installations face significant risks including unauthorized data access, data corruption, and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform data exfiltration, modify calendar entries, or even gain access to underlying database systems that may contain additional sensitive information. The attack surface is further expanded as calendar modules often integrate with other system components, potentially allowing attackers to chain this vulnerability with other weaknesses to achieve broader system compromise. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre attack framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0735 require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the calendar module to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as sql commands. Organizations should upgrade to phpWebsite versions that have patched this vulnerability and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that application database accounts have minimal required privileges and that proper input sanitization procedures are implemented throughout the application codebase. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation as outlined in secure coding practices and represents a classic example of why application developers must implement proper data sanitization techniques to prevent sql injection attacks.