CVE-2004-0239 in PHP Pro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showphoto.php in PhotoPost PHP Pro 4.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access via the photo variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0239 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PhotoPost PHP Pro 4.6 and earlier versions, specifically affecting the showphoto.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the photo parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that has persisted across numerous web applications throughout the history of php development. The vulnerability classification aligns with cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the photo variable parameter in the showphoto.php script. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to inject sql payloads that can manipulate the database structure or extract sensitive information. This type of injection attack can enable unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms, retrieve confidential data, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in input sanitization practices that violates established secure coding principles and security best practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system-wide access. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the photo gallery database. The consequences include unauthorized data modification, complete database enumeration, and potential escalation to system-level privileges depending on the database configuration and user permissions. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on php and sql databases, making it a significant concern for organizations using legacy photo gallery systems. The attack surface is broad as any user interacting with the photo gallery can potentially exploit this vulnerability without requiring authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0239 should focus on immediate remediation through input validation and parameterized queries implementation. Organizations must upgrade to PhotoPost PHP Pro versions that address this vulnerability, as the original versions lack proper security controls. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against sql injection attacks. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application level, database level, and network level. Security measures should include proper error handling to prevent information disclosure, regular security audits, and implementation of web application firewalls. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security measures as outlined in various security frameworks and standards including those referenced in the mitre attack framework and common weakness enumeration catalog.