CVE-2004-1836 in Invision Power Top Site List
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Invision Power Top Site List 1.1 RC 2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL via the id parameter of the comments action.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1836 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Invision Power Top Site List 1.1 RC 2 software and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and occurs when processing the comments action with the id parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that are fundamental to secure application development practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. When the id parameter is passed to the comments action, the software directly concatenates this input into database commands without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates a scenario where malicious actors can inject arbitrary sql code that gets executed by the database server, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using the affected software. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete information, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers might use this vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such applications might handle sensitive user information or business-critical data.
The exploitation of CVE-2004-1836 aligns with several tactics described in the attack framework, including initial access through web application exploitation and privilege escalation via database manipulation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack chains where such flaws are often used as entry points for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application firewalls to prevent exploitation. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes as recommended by industry standards such as nist 800-53 and iso 27001 frameworks. The affected applications should be updated to versions that properly sanitize user input and implement robust database access controls to prevent unauthorized sql command execution.