CVE-2005-0273 in PhotoPost PHP Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in showgallery.php in PhotoPost before 4.86 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cat or (2) ppuser parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0273 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in PhotoPost software versions prior to 4.86. This vulnerability exists within the showgallery.php script which serves as a core component for displaying photo galleries on websites utilizing this platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating specific parameters in the HTTP requests sent to the vulnerable application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct parameter injection points within the showgallery.php script. The first injection vector involves the cat parameter which typically represents category identifiers used to filter photo galleries. The second vector targets the ppuser parameter that handles user identification and authentication data within the photo gallery system. Both parameters are directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an environment where malicious SQL commands can be executed with the privileges of the database user. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation. Remote attackers can leverage these injection points to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining access to sensitive user information, modifying gallery content, or even escalating privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract confidential data such as user credentials, personal information, or proprietary gallery content. Given that PhotoPost was widely used for hosting user-generated content, the potential for data compromise was substantial across numerous websites and organizations that relied on this platform for their photo gallery functionality.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires minimal prerequisites for exploitation and can be automated through various reconnaissance tools. Organizations utilizing PhotoPost software prior to version 4.86 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application-level firewall rules to prevent exploitation. The recommended remediation approach involves upgrading to PhotoPost version 4.86 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and conducting regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities in other web applications.