CVE-2004-2263 in PlaySMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the valid function in fr_left.php in PlaySMS 0.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to modify SQL statements via the vc2 cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2263 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PlaySMS messaging platform version 0.7 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the valid function located in the fr_left.php file, which processes user authentication and validation requests. The issue arises from improper input sanitization where the vc2 cookie parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code through crafted cookie values, potentially enabling unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the vc2 cookie value which is then processed by the vulnerable valid function. When the cookie data is passed to SQL statements within fr_left.php, the lack of proper input validation creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, where insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data leads to unauthorized database operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over remote network connections without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2263 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to extract sensitive user information including authentication credentials, personal data, and messaging records stored within the PlaySMS database. Additionally, attackers might modify or delete database contents, potentially disrupting communication services and creating backdoor access points. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that enable data manipulation and unauthorized access. The weakness creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited for lateral movement within networks where PlaySMS is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. System administrators should upgrade to PlaySMS versions 0.8 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding. The recommended approach involves implementing proper cookie validation mechanisms and ensuring all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous sanitization before database processing. Security measures should include input filtering to reject special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, along with implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious cookie values and SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates in preventing exploitation of fundamental database access flaws.