CVE-2004-1519 in phpBugTracker
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bug.php in phpBugTracker 0.9.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the bug_id parameter in a viewvotes operation or (2) the project parameter in an add operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1519 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpBugTracker 0.9.1 application that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary command execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the bug.php script which serves as the primary interface for managing bug reports within the application. The flaw manifests when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into sql query constructions without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different parameters within the application's functionality. The first vector targets the bug_id parameter during a viewvotes operation, where an attacker can inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context. The second vector exploits the project parameter during an add operation, allowing similar injection attacks to occur when new bug reports are being submitted. Both attack paths demonstrate the fundamental flaw in input validation and query construction practices within the phpBugTracker application, where user input flows directly into sql statements without adequate protection mechanisms such as prepared statements or proper escaping functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with complete database control capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, bug reports, and system configuration details. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Additionally, the vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database access often provides pathways to other system components.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles established in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities, with potential lateral movement opportunities through database access. Organizations running phpBugTracker 0.9.1 should consider immediate remediation through input sanitization, parameterized queries, and comprehensive application security testing to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and patch management processes, as this flaw existed in a widely distributed application version that was vulnerable to exploitation for an extended period.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate application patching or upgrading to versions that address the sql injection vulnerabilities. Security teams should implement proper input validation mechanisms including whitelisting of acceptable values and comprehensive escaping of user-supplied data before database insertion. The implementation of prepared statements or stored procedures should be mandatory for all database interactions to prevent sql injection attacks. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense layers, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle sql injection attacks and ensure proper logging and monitoring of database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.