CVE-2004-0065 in phpGedView
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in phpGedView before 2.65 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL via (1) timeline.php and (2) placelist.php.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0065 represents a critical security flaw in phpGedView versions prior to 2.65, specifically targeting SQL injection attack vectors that could enable remote code execution. This vulnerability affects two distinct files within the application: timeline.php and placelist.php, both of which are integral components for genealogical data visualization and management. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL database queries. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through carefully crafted parameters that are processed by these vulnerable scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input from HTTP request parameters is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can manipulate the timeline.php and placelist.php scripts by providing malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access and can be exploited from anywhere on the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in application security architecture that could lead to complete system takeover. Genealogical databases often contain sensitive personal information including family histories, medical records, and private correspondence that could be exposed through successful exploitation. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of the data but also its integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially corrupt database entries or render the application unusable through malicious SQL commands. Organizations using vulnerable versions of phpGedView face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage, particularly those managing genealogical data for individuals or families with high-profile connections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0065 require immediate implementation of the official patch released with phpGedView version 2.65, which addresses the input validation issues in both timeline.php and placelist.php. Security administrators should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and thorough validation of all user-supplied data before database processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls, regular backup procedures, and monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability creates opportunities for persistent threats that could go undetected for extended periods.