CVE-2005-1234 in phpbb-Auction
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in phpbb-Auction allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) u parameter to auction_rating.php or (2) ar parameter to action_offer.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1234 represents a critical security flaw in the phpbb-Auction software, a popular e-commerce extension for phpBB forums. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within two specific script files that handle user interactions and auction-related data processing. The vulnerability affects versions of phpbb-Auction that were prevalent during the mid-2000s, when web application security practices were less mature and comprehensive. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying architectural weakness, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides multiple entry points for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input parameters within the auction_rating.php and action_offer.php scripts. When users interact with the auction system, the application accepts parameters named 'u' and 'ar' respectively, without applying adequate sanitization or parameterized query techniques. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution flow, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates the classic pattern of insufficient input validation where user data flows directly into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack requires no special privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected database system. Successful exploitation could enable malicious actors to extract sensitive user information including usernames, passwords, and personal details stored in the database. More severe consequences include data modification, deletion of critical auction listings, and potential privilege escalation within the application. The vulnerability also poses risks to the broader system infrastructure, as database access often provides pathways to other system resources and applications. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpbb-Auction faced significant risks to their data integrity, user privacy, and overall system security, with potential financial and reputational damage from data breaches. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpBB forums were commonly used for community-based e-commerce platforms where users trusted the system with personal and financial information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query techniques throughout the affected application code. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of phpbb-Auction or implement proper input sanitization measures that escape or validate all user-supplied parameters before database interaction. The solution approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which addresses exploitation of vulnerabilities through SQL injection attacks, emphasizing the need for proper application-level defenses. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other legacy applications, while comprehensive patch management processes should be established to ensure timely remediation of discovered vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against common web application vulnerabilities.