CVE-2004-1531 in Invision Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in post.php in Invision Power Board (IPB) 2.0.0 through 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the qpid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1531 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Invision Power Board version 2.0.0 through 2.0.2. This issue affects the post.php script and specifically targets the qpid parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute unauthorized SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's codebase, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
This SQL injection vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-89, which classifies it as an improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. The flaw enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain complete administrative control over the affected system. The qpid parameter in post.php serves as the primary attack vector, where unfiltered user input is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This design flaw aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information including passwords, personal details, and potentially financial data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or perform data manipulation that could disrupt service availability and integrity. The affected versions of Invision Power Board represent a critical security gap that could allow attackers to establish persistent access to the forum system and potentially use it as a stepping stone for broader network infiltration.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of Invision Power Board should prioritize immediate remediation through official security patches provided by the vendor. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits should be deployed to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, particularly in web applications handling user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers against similar attack vectors and ensure comprehensive security posture maintenance across all deployed applications.