CVE-2003-1176 in Web Wiz Forums
Summary
by MITRE
post_message_form.asp in Web Wiz Forums 6.34 through 7.5, when quote mode is used, allows remote attackers to read or write to private forums by modifying the FID (forum ID) parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1176 resides within the Web Wiz Forums software version 6.34 through 7.5, specifically affecting the post_message_form.asp component when quote mode functionality is engaged. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the forum system by allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal permission boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient authorization checks within the forum ID parameter processing mechanism, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper validation for the FID parameter in the post_message_form.asp script. When users engage quote mode to respond to posts, the system should verify that the requesting user has appropriate permissions to access the target forum identified by the forum ID. However, the flawed implementation allows attackers to manipulate the FID parameter to reference private or restricted forums that they should not have access to. This modification enables unauthorized read and write operations against protected forum content, effectively breaking the access control model that separates public, private, and restricted forum sections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables full compromise of private forum communications and data integrity. Attackers can not only read confidential discussions and user communications within private forums but also post malicious content, modify existing posts, and potentially disrupt forum operations. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to severe consequences including data breaches, reputational damage, and potential legal implications for organizations hosting affected forum systems. The vulnerability affects any installation using Web Wiz Forums versions within the specified range, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest available version of Web Wiz Forums, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and enforcing strict access controls for forum ID parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. Additional defensive measures should include network segmentation, monitoring for unusual parameter modifications, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable post_message_form.asp endpoint. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar access control flaws in other forum systems and web applications.