CVE-2004-0236 in thePHOTOtool
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.asp in thePHOTOtool allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access via the password field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0236 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the login functionality of thePHOTOtool web application. This security weakness resides in the login.asp script where user credentials are processed, specifically targeting the password field input mechanism. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input in the password field that manipulates the underlying SQL query structure, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms entirely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent flaw occurring when user input is directly concatenated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of the password field in the login form, where malicious SQL payload can be injected to alter the query execution flow. When the application processes the compromised input, the malformed SQL statement may return unexpected results such as bypassing authentication checks, extracting unauthorized database information, or even executing destructive operations against the backend database system. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when developers rely on dynamic query construction rather than prepared statements or parameterized queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0236 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain administrative privileges, extract sensitive user data including hashed passwords, personal information, and potentially access to other system resources. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet. This flaw can enable attackers to perform data exfiltration, modify user accounts, or establish persistent access points within the affected environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques including the use of parameterized queries or prepared statements to separate SQL code from user data. Organizations should also implement proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users. The application should validate input length, character sets, and enforce strict authentication protocols. Additionally, following the ATT&CK framework's mitigation recommendations for credential access and execution techniques would involve implementing web application firewalls, regular security code reviews, and comprehensive penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities across the application stack. Regular updates and security patches should be implemented to address any similar weaknesses that may exist in the application's codebase or underlying database management system.