CVE-2004-2178 in Web Forum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in DevoyBB Web Forum 1.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unknown vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2178 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the DevoyBB Web Forum version 1.0.0, a widely used bulletin board system that was prevalent in the early 2000s. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection attacks where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The affected forum software was designed to handle user interactions through web forms and URL parameters, creating multiple potential entry points for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector indicates that adversaries could exploit this weakness from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the forum's database interaction layers. When users submit data through various forum functions such as search queries, user authentication, or message posting, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command strings. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, or even gain elevated privileges within the database system. The "unknown vectors" mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple pathways within the application's codebase, making it particularly challenging to fully assess and remediate.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform comprehensive database exploitation activities that can severely disrupt forum operations and compromise user privacy. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user credentials, private messages, personal information, and forum administration details. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers could potentially target multiple installations simultaneously, creating widespread impact across different organizations using this forum software. Additionally, the compromised database could serve as a staging ground for further attacks, including the potential for privilege escalation to system-level access or the installation of backdoors for persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2178 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable forum software to the latest available version that addresses the SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures throughout the application code, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous filtering before database interaction. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements represents the most effective technical countermeasure against SQL injection attacks, as these approaches separate the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's architecture. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, credential access, and privilege escalation, making comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures essential for organizations that may have been compromised.