CVE-2004-1518 in Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in follow.php in Phorum 5.0.12 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL command via the forum_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1518 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Phorum discussion forum software version 5.0.12 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the follow.php script which is used for managing forum subscriptions and follow-up functionality. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the forum_id parameter within the follow.php script. When authenticated users submit requests containing maliciously crafted forum_id values, the application fails to properly escape or validate this input before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack pattern that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Since the vulnerability requires authentication to exploit, it primarily affects users who already have access to the forum system, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or unauthorized access to sensitive user data. Attackers could leverage this weakness to extract confidential information, modify forum configurations, or even gain deeper access to the underlying system if database permissions are improperly restricted. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk for organizations relying on Phorum for community forums, as it could lead to data breaches and compromise user privacy.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in web application development. The attack vector specifically targets authenticated users, indicating that the security model of the application may be insufficiently protecting against malicious actions by legitimate users. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization, parameterized database queries, and proper access controls. The mitigation strategy should align with the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles, particularly focusing on input validation and credential management techniques. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against sql injection attacks that could compromise system integrity and user data confidentiality.