CVE-2005-1237 in FlexPHPNews
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in news.php in FlexPHPNews 0.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the newsid parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1237 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the FlexPHPNews 0.0.3 content management system, specifically affecting the news.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the newsid parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe as it allows attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the database user, which often corresponds to the web application's database access credentials.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where the newsid parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper input filtering or parameterized query usage. The absence of input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the SQL query structure by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the newsid parameter. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability exists in a web-based content management system where user input is expected and processed, making it particularly accessible to remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the database environment. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of news content, creation of backdoor accounts, or even complete system compromise if the database user has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application's data repository, potentially leading to service disruption and data loss. Organizations relying on FlexPHPNews 0.0.3 would face significant security risks, particularly if the database contains sensitive user information or business-critical data. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1237 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves converting all dynamic SQL queries to use parameterized or prepared statements, which ensures that user input is treated as literal data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, including character set validation and length restrictions on the newsid parameter, would significantly reduce exploitation risk. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing database-related security incidents, particularly in legacy applications that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind.