CVE-2003-1520 in My Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in FuzzyMonkey My Classifieds 2.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the email parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1520 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the FuzzyMonkey My Classifieds 2.11 web application. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input through the email parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend database system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it accessible to any remote user who can interact with the vulnerable web application interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted email parameter containing SQL payload characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or union statements. When the application processes this input without proper input validation or parameterized queries, the malicious SQL commands become part of the executed database query. This allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input sanitization and output encoding practices that are essential for preventing injection attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage application weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to backend systems. The specific technique involves T1071.005 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, where the attack is executed through standard web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential business disruption. Attackers could extract sensitive user information including personal details, login credentials, and classified advertisements stored in the database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where malicious users might gain administrative access to the database management system. Organizations using this version of My Classifieds face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application's data services, making it a critical security concern for any business relying on classified advertising platforms. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents an outdated application flaw that highlights the importance of regular security updates and vulnerability management programs. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge of the underlying database architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1520 should prioritize immediate application patching and implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations must ensure all user-supplied input is properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into database queries. The recommended approach includes implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries as the primary defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns in incoming requests. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive input validation across all web applications. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper monitoring of database activities for signs of unauthorized access or data manipulation.