CVE-2005-0271 in ReviewPost PHP Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ReviewPost PHP Pro before 2.84 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cat parameter to showcat.php or (2) product parameter to addfav.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0271 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in ReviewPost PHP Pro version 2.83 and earlier, exposing the application to remote code execution through improperly sanitized user inputs. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of specific HTTP parameters within two distinct scripts, creating multiple attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication. The flaw fundamentally stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input data before incorporating it into database queries, which directly violates secure coding practices and industry standards such as CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects the showcat.php script where the cat parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, and additionally impacts addfav.php where the product parameter lacks proper input validation, creating two distinct yet equally dangerous attack surfaces.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through crafted input values that are then executed against the underlying database system. When an attacker submits specially crafted cat or product parameters, the application directly incorporates these values into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, enabling the execution of arbitrary database operations. This includes potential data extraction, modification, or deletion, as well as the possibility of escalating privileges within the database environment. The attack vector operates entirely over HTTP communications, requiring no local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location with network access to the vulnerable application. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through database-level privilege escalation or the execution of malicious payloads stored within the database structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0271 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the ReviewPost PHP Pro application. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of customer data exposure, including potentially sensitive personal information and business-critical data stored in the database. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making traditional network-based security measures insufficient for protection. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, representing a common attack pattern where adversaries target web applications to gain initial access to systems. The vulnerability also aligns with T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use DNS tunneling techniques to exfiltrate data from compromised systems. The lack of input validation creates a persistent threat that remains active until the application is patched or updated, making it particularly dangerous for long-running systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0271 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to ReviewPost PHP Pro version 2.84 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameter validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being processed by database queries. This includes implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, as recommended by OWASP and other security standards. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation flaws in other application components. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and privilege management can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to the database, they cannot perform destructive operations beyond what is necessary for basic application functionality. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security assessments to maintain robust application security posture.