CVE-2004-1925 in Tikiwiki
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Tiki CMS/Groupware (TikiWiki) 1.8.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sort_mode parameter in (1) tiki-usermenu.php, (2) tiki-list_file_gallery.php, (3) tiki-directory_ranking.php, (4) tiki-browse_categories.php, (5) tiki-index.php, (6) tiki-user_tasks.php, (7) tiki-directory_ranking.php, (8) tiki-directory_search.php, (9) tiki-file_galleries.php, (10) tiki-list_faqs.php, (11) tiki-list_trackers.php, (12) tiki-list_blogs.php, or via the offset parameter in (13) tiki-usermenu.php, (14) tiki-browse_categories.php, (15) tiki-index.php, (16) tiki-user_tasks.php, (17) tiki-list_faqs.php, (18) tiki-list_trackers.php, or (19) tiki-list_blogs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1925 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Tiki CMS/Groupware version 1.8.1 and earlier installations. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters within multiple script files, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted SQL commands. The affected parameters include sort_mode and offset, which are commonly used for sorting and pagination functionality within web applications. These parameters are processed without proper input validation or sanitization, making them prime targets for injection attacks that can bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the TikiWiki application framework. When users interact with the affected scripts, the application directly incorporates user input into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameter binding mechanisms. The sort_mode parameter, used for sorting data display, and offset parameter, used for pagination controls, both accept user-provided values that are concatenated directly into SQL statements. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed with the privileges of the database user account under which the application operates. The vulnerability affects multiple core functionality modules including user menus, file galleries, directory listings, blog management, and FAQ systems, demonstrating the widespread nature of the insecure coding practices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected Tiki installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and business-critical data stored in the database. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands means that attackers can not only read data but also modify, delete, or insert records, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-hosted applications. Organizations using affected versions of Tiki CMS/Groupware face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant operational disruption. The vulnerability's presence across multiple modules suggests that the application's core input validation mechanisms are fundamentally flawed, affecting the entire application ecosystem rather than isolated components.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling that enables unauthorized database access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target exposed web applications to gain initial access. The attack chain typically involves reconnaissance to identify vulnerable Tiki installations, followed by crafting malicious payloads targeting the specific sort_mode and offset parameters. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to the latest available version of Tiki CMS/Groupware, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and establish robust input sanitization practices to prevent future occurrences of this type of flaw.