CVE-2005-2383 in PHPNews
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in auth.php in PHPNews 1.2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user parameter in an HTTP POST request.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2383 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the authentication component of PHPNews version 1.2.5. This issue exists in the auth.php file where user input is improperly handled during the authentication process, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted http post requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the user parameter which is directly incorporated into sql commands without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that executes with the privileges of the web application's database connection.
This sql injection vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The attack vector leverages the http post method where the user parameter is transmitted in the request body, making it susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers who can craft malicious payloads to exploit the insecure database query construction. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, deletion, and potentially gaining administrative access to the database system. The impact is particularly severe because it occurs during the authentication phase, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely or escalate their privileges within the application's security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. This can result in complete database exposure, unauthorized data manipulation, and potential system compromise through database-level attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the phpnews application's database, including user credentials, news articles, and potentially other sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as user passwords, system configuration details, and other critical data that may be stored in the database. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpnews applications are deployed without proper security hardening measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2383 should focus on immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of PHPNews or implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious sql injection attempts targeting the specific vulnerable parameter. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, using prepared statements with parameterized queries, and ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped before being incorporated into sql commands. Security measures should also include disabling unnecessary database privileges for the web application, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing database interactions within web applications.