CVE-2003-1530 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in privmsg.php in phpBB 2.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mark[] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1530 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpBB bulletin board system version 2.0.3 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the privmsg.php script which handles private messaging functionality within the forum software. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution process. The mark[] parameter serves as the primary attack vector, where an attacker can manipulate this input to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from improper handling of the mark[] parameter in the privmsg.php file which directly incorporates user input into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This allows attackers to construct malicious sql payloads that can be executed within the database context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a serious weakness in software applications where user-supplied data is improperly integrated into sql command structures. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard http requests containing crafted payload data in the mark[] parameter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive user information, forum data, and system credentials. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and in some cases privilege escalation within the application environment. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including phpBB 2.0.3, making it particularly concerning for organizations that had not yet upgraded their systems. Attackers could use this vulnerability to manipulate forum content, create administrative accounts, or even escalate privileges to system level access depending on the database configuration and permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1530 should prioritize immediate system upgrades to phpBB 2.0.4 or later versions which contain patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns in the mark[] parameter. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their phpBB installations and ensure that proper access controls and database permissions are implemented to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust input validation practices as outlined in the mitre attack framework where such vulnerabilities often map to initial access and privilege escalation techniques.