CVE-2005-1114 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in album_search.php in Photo Album 2.0.53 for phpBB allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) mode or (2) search parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1114 represents a critical security flaw in the Photo Album 2.0.53 component for phpBB, specifically within the album_search.php script. This issue manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that arise from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data. The vulnerability affects two distinct parameter fields within the application's search functionality, namely the mode and search parameters, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted input sequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command structures without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by submitting malicious input through the mode or search parameters in the album_search.php script, enabling them to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the context of the database server. This occurs because the application fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended execution flow of SQL statements.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1114 extends beyond simple data retrieval, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, potentially including user credentials, personal data, or application configuration details. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can manipulate database permissions or execute administrative commands through the injected SQL payloads. Given that this affects a phpBB component, the attack surface includes all users of the affected version, making it particularly dangerous for widely deployed installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query structures throughout the application. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be deployed to filter or escape special characters that could be used in injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database permissions to limit the impact of successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security testing and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications.