CVE-2003-1043 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Bugzilla 2.16.3 and earlier, and 2.17.1 through 2.17.4, allows remote authenticated users with editkeywords privileges to execute arbitrary SQL via the id parameter to editkeywords.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1043 represents a critical sql injection flaw affecting Bugzilla versions 2.16.3 and earlier, as well as versions 2.17.1 through 2.17.4. This security weakness specifically targets the editkeywords.cgi script within the Bugzilla bug tracking system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it only necessitates authentication with editkeywords permissions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have varying levels of access to the system. The attack vector involves manipulation of the id parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation within the editkeywords.cgi script, which fails to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a common weakness in software applications that fail to properly validate or escape user input before using it in database operations. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The specific parameter manipulation occurs during the processing of the id field, where user input is directly concatenated into sql statements without proper sanitization mechanisms. This type of injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1043 extends beyond simple data corruption, as successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive bug tracking information. Attackers with editkeywords privileges could potentially extract confidential bug reports, modify existing records, or even escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple minor versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms that was not adequately addressed during the development cycle. Organizations relying on these vulnerable Bugzilla versions face significant risk of data breaches, especially in environments where the system contains sensitive project information or proprietary bug reports. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, and the requirement for only editkeywords privileges makes it particularly attractive for malicious actors seeking to gain deeper system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1043 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Bugzilla versions to the latest stable releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at all application entry points, particularly for parameters used in database queries. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be mandatory to prevent sql injection attacks, as these mechanisms separate sql code from data inputs. Access control measures should be reviewed to ensure that users with editkeywords privileges are properly audited and that privilege escalation paths are minimized. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure, as sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security issues. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper database security practices in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive data through bug tracking systems.