CVE-2004-1515 in vBulletin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in (1) ttlast.php and (2) last10.php in vBulletin 3.0.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements via the fsel parameter, as demonstrated using last.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1515 represents a critical sql injection flaw affecting vBulletin 3.0.x forums, specifically impacting the ttlastphp and last10php components. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability manifests through the fsel parameter which is processed without sufficient security controls, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input through the fsel parameter that gets directly embedded into sql queries executed by the vBulletin application. The demonstrated exploitation using lastphp illustrates how an attacker can manipulate the application's database interactions to execute unauthorized sql commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive information or modifying database content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to forum administrators and users alike. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to extract confidential data including user credentials, private messages, and forum content. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers may escalate privileges, modify forum functionality, or even establish persistent access through database manipulation. The vulnerability affects the core database interaction mechanisms of vBulletin, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on these platforms for community engagement and information sharing.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates techniques consistent with ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (credential access) and TA0005 (defense evasion) as attackers can both extract sensitive information and potentially modify system behavior. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper code review processes to identify and remediate similar flaws in application code. Patch management becomes critical as this vulnerability affects versions that were widely deployed in 2004, emphasizing the need for organizations to maintain current security postures and monitor for similar weaknesses in their software ecosystems.