CVE-2004-2181 in Web Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in WowBB Forum 1.61 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) sort_by or (2) page parameters to view_user.php, or the (3) forum_id parameter to view_topic.php. NOTE: the sort_by vector was later reported to be present in WowBB 1.65.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2181 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting WowBB Forum version 1.61 and potentially 1.65, demonstrating a classic weakness in web application input validation and database query construction. This vulnerability resides in the forum's handling of user-supplied parameters within specific php scripts, creating an avenue for remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The affected parameters include sort_by and page in view_user.php, as well as forum_id in view_topic.php, all of which are processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing malicious SQL commands to be executed within the database context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or validation. When users navigate to pages containing these vulnerable parameters, the application constructs database queries by concatenating user input directly into the SQL command structure. This primitive approach to query building enables attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can alter the intended query behavior, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the database layer through the web application interface, bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially full system control. Attackers can leverage these injection points to extract sensitive user information including usernames, passwords, and personal data stored in the forum database. The vulnerability's persistence across versions 1.61 and 1.65 indicates a fundamental design flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms that was not adequately addressed in the security updates, suggesting that the underlying code structure requires comprehensive review and remediation. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a common attack vector categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the credential access and persistence tactics.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. The application code must be modified to validate and sanitize all input parameters before they are incorporated into database queries, with strict type checking and length limitations applied to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security measures should include restricting database user permissions to only necessary operations, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious query patterns, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and the necessity of comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.