CVE-2004-0036 in vBulletin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in calendar.php for vBulletin Forum 2.3.x before 2.3.4 allows remote attackers to steal sensitive information via the eventid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0036 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the calendar.php script of vBulletin Forum version 2.3.x prior to 2.3.4. This vulnerability exposes the forum software to remote code execution and data theft attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The specific weakness lies in how the application processes the eventid parameter without adequate sanitization or parameter binding, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability falls under the category of injection flaws as classified by CWE-89, which specifically addresses situations where untrusted data is incorporated into database query logic without proper validation or escaping. This particular instance demonstrates how insufficient input filtering can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the eventid parameter in the calendar.php script. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into sql queries, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands. This injection can potentially retrieve user credentials, personal information, forum data, and other sensitive database contents. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote attackers to execute database commands without authentication, making it a severe threat to forum administrators and users alike. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based requests, requiring no special privileges or local access to the system. This type of attack aligns with the techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the ATT&CK framework, specifically within the command and control phase where adversaries establish persistence and exfiltrate data through database manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0036 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected vBulletin versions face significant risk of credential theft, user data exposure, and potential system infiltration that could lead to broader security breaches. The vulnerability affects the core forum functionality and can result in complete database disclosure, including user accounts, private messages, and administrative credentials. System administrators may experience unauthorized access to sensitive information, while end users face potential identity theft and privacy violations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through database manipulation, potentially leading to long-term compromise of the affected systems. This type of vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the application's security posture and requires immediate remediation to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0036 focus primarily on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to vBulletin 2.3.4 or later versions where this vulnerability has been patched and addressed. The implementation of proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of parameterized queries and stored procedures, can effectively prevent this class of attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter malicious sql injection attempts. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary database access permissions and implementing proper access controls to limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring procedures to detect and respond to potential attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and audit trails to detect unauthorized access attempts and data exfiltration activities.