CVE-2005-2012 in paFAQ
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in login in paFAQ 1.0 Beta 4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands and bypass authentication via the (1) username or (2) id parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2012 affects paFAQ version 1.0 Beta 4, specifically targeting the login functionality where multiple SQL injection flaws exist. This critical security weakness resides in how the application processes user input during authentication attempts, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account.
The technical flaw exploits the absence of input validation and parameterized query implementation within the login mechanism of paFAQ. Attackers can manipulate the username or id parameters to inject SQL commands that bypass authentication controls entirely. When the application processes these parameters without proper sanitization, the injected SQL code gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or gain unauthorized access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database. The attack vector operates through the web application's interface where user credentials are submitted, making it a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass to encompass potential data compromise and system integrity violations. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can not only gain unauthorized access to the paFAQ system but may also be able to escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in externally accessible applications. The implications include potential disclosure of sensitive user information, modification of database content, and possible establishment of persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2012 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of paFAQ or implement proper input sanitization measures that validate and escape all user-supplied data before database processing. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions, ensuring that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to limit database privileges for the web application, implementing the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database security practices, aligning with security standards that emphasize the need for secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent such widespread authentication bypass scenarios.