CVE-2004-1826 in Open Source 4.5
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Mambo Open Source 4.5 stable 1.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1826 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mambo Open Source content management system version 4.5 stable 1.0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and specifically targets the id parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices, allowing unauthorized users to inject malicious SQL code through the web interface. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries. When a user submits data through the id parameter in index.php, the application directly concatenates this input into database commands without adequate filtering or parameterization. This creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious input strings that alter the intended behavior of the SQL statement. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database interaction layer, where successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the technique T1071.005 for application layer protocols and T1566 for phishing with a malicious attachment or link, as attackers often leverage such vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1826 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with substantial control over the affected Mambo installation. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive information including user credentials, content management data, and potentially system configuration details. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire content management system, as the database serves as the central repository for all application data. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Mambo was widely used in web applications during this period, making numerous systems potentially vulnerable to similar exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including patching the affected Mambo installation to the latest available version that addresses the SQL injection flaw. System administrators should implement proper input validation mechanisms and adopt parameterized queries to prevent future occurrences of similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across their entire software portfolio. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper secure coding practices, including input sanitization and parameterized database queries, are essential components of any robust cybersecurity program. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes are critical for maintaining protection against known exploits like CVE-2004-1826.