CVE-2005-2193 in PunBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the user profile edit module in profile.php for PunBB 1.2.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements via the temp array, which is not initialized before it is used and prevents the attacker-supplied portions of the array from being properly escaped.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2193 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the user profile edit functionality of PunBB version 1.2.5 and earlier. This issue resides in the profile.php module where the application fails to properly initialize the temp array variable before processing user-supplied input. The absence of proper initialization creates a predictable security gap that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands through the temp array parameter. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of input sanitization and proper escaping mechanisms, enabling attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-20 which identifies improper input validation as a root cause, specifically in how the application handles user-provided data within sql contexts. The attack vector leverages the temporal aspect of the vulnerability where the uninitialized temp array creates a window of opportunity for malicious input injection. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive data through sql injection methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire database structure. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive user information, modify existing records, insert new malicious entries, or even escalate privileges within the database. The uninitialized nature of the temp array creates a deterministic exploitation pattern where attackers can predict the sql query structure and craft malicious payloads that bypass standard input validation. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application's data repository, potentially compromising user privacy and system security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves initializing all arrays and variables before processing user input, implementing proper sql escaping mechanisms, and utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql code from data. Organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, database-level access controls, and network-level monitoring to detect anomalous sql query patterns. Regular security audits and code reviews should focus on variable initialization practices and sql injection prevention techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the software. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.