CVE-2004-0275 in Bosdates
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in calendar_download.php in BosDates 3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information and gain access via the calendar parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0275 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the BosDates 3.2 content management system, specifically affecting the calendar_download.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the calendar parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially compromising the entire system infrastructure. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate database queries and extract sensitive information, modify data, or even gain unauthorized access to system resources. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can provide attackers with the foundation for further exploitation activities within the network environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the calendar parameter value is directly concatenated into sql queries without proper input validation or parameter binding. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that alter the intended sql query execution flow, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms or extracting confidential data from database tables. The vulnerability affects all versions of BosDates up to and including version 3.2, indicating a long-standing flaw that was not properly addressed in the software lifecycle. This type of injection vulnerability typically occurs in applications where dynamic sql queries are constructed using string concatenation rather than prepared statements or parameterized queries, creating a direct pathway for malicious sql code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools that scan for such vulnerabilities across the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability can be severe, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive user information, including personal data, authentication credentials, and system configuration details. Depending on the database permissions and the nature of stored data, attackers may be able to escalate privileges, modify or delete critical information, or even establish persistent access through database backdoors. The vulnerability creates an entry point for attackers to move laterally within the network infrastructure, as database access often provides broader system privileges than application-level access alone. Organizations using affected versions of BosDates face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, especially when the database contains administrative accounts or sensitive business information. This type of vulnerability also affects the integrity and availability of the system, as attackers can manipulate or destroy data, potentially causing service disruptions that impact business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0275 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has been documented for over a decade and numerous remediation solutions exist. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or bound before being incorporated into database queries. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications or systems that may be susceptible to similar sql injection flaws. Regular security updates and patches should be implemented as part of a comprehensive vulnerability management program, following industry best practices such as those outlined in the owasp top ten project. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, as outlined in the mitre attack framework where such vulnerabilities are categorized under the initial access and persistence tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect suspicious sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch or code modification does not introduce new functionality issues while effectively addressing the sql injection vulnerability.