CVE-2004-2695 in vBulletin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Authorize.net callback code (subscriptions/authorize.php) in Jelsoft vBulletin 3.0 through 3.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements via the x_invoice_num parameter. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2006-4267.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2695 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the authorize.net callback processing functionality of jelsoft vbulletin versions 3.0 through 3.0.3. This security weakness specifically targets the subscriptions/authorize.php file which handles payment processing callbacks from authorize.net payment gateway. The vulnerability occurs when the x_invoice_num parameter is improperly handled during the callback processing, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution flow. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql statements, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where the attacker crafts malicious input for the x_invoice_num parameter that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. When the application processes this parameter within its sql query construction logic, the injected sql code executes with the privileges of the database user account associated with the vbulletin application. This allows unauthorized individuals to perform read, write, or delete operations on the database contents, potentially accessing sensitive user information, modifying forum data, or even escalating privileges within the system. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, making it a direct instance of sql injection attacks that have been consistently identified as one of the most dangerous web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to the forum's database infrastructure. Attackers could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, forum configuration details, or even modify user permissions and access controls. The vulnerability affects the entire vbulletin 3.0.x series, indicating it was likely present in multiple versions and could have been exploited across various installations. This represents a significant risk to forum administrators who may have been unaware of the vulnerability, as the attack can be executed remotely without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. The issue may be related to CVE-2006-4267, suggesting a pattern of similar sql injection vulnerabilities that were not adequately addressed in the application's input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected vbulletin versions to the latest available security updates from the vendor. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or sanitized before database insertion. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection layers against such attacks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, particularly in areas handling external callbacks or payment processing integrations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper database access controls and privilege management, where applications should operate with the minimal required database permissions to reduce the potential impact of sql injection attacks. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate sql injection attempts.