CVE-2004-1955 in phProfession
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules.php in phProfession 2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL code via the offset parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1955 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phProfession 2.5 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the modules.php script where the offset parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the offset parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient parameter handling and query construction methods that directly incorporate user-supplied input into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted offset parameter value that contains sql injection payloads. The phProfession 2.5 application fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before incorporating it into database queries, creating an attack surface where malicious sql commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities. The attack vector is remote, meaning no local system access is required, and the impact can be severe as attackers can potentially extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application's database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain deeper access to the underlying database infrastructure. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to view confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-sensitive records stored within the phProfession 2.5 system. Additionally, the vulnerability may facilitate further attacks within the network environment by providing a foothold for lateral movement or privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system's data storage mechanisms, potentially compromising the entire application's security posture. Organizations using phProfession 2.5 should consider this vulnerability as part of the broader attack surface analysis and evaluate their defensive measures against similar injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query construction. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data inputs, preventing malicious sql fragments from being executed. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be implemented to filter or escape special characters that could be used in sql injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that monitor for suspicious patterns in the offset parameter. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the phProfession 2.5 application to address the specific vulnerability in modules.php, while also conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other application components. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy where adversaries leverage injection flaws to manipulate application behavior and gain unauthorized access to system resources.