CVE-2005-2562 in Gravity Board X
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Gravity Board X (GBX) 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands and bypass authentication via the login field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2562 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Gravity Board X version 1.1, a web-based bulletin board system that was widely deployed in early web applications. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism of the software, specifically within the login field processing functionality, making it a prime target for remote attackers seeking unauthorized system access. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted input, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the GBX application's login processing code. When users attempt to authenticate, the system directly incorporates user-supplied input from the login field into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application input validation and database query construction. Attackers can exploit this by crafting login credentials that contain SQL injection payloads, potentially bypassing authentication entirely or executing arbitrary database commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple authentication bypass, as it provides attackers with direct access to the underlying database system. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user information, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The consequences include unauthorized access to user accounts, exposure of confidential data, and potential complete system compromise. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using outdated software versions, as it allows attackers to operate without detection while maintaining persistent access to the compromised system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local access or prior authentication, making it easily exploitable from any location with internet connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2562 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, though given the age of GBX 1.1, such patches may no longer be available. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and database-level protections, to prevent malicious SQL code execution. The implementation of parameterized queries and prepared statements represents the most effective long-term solution, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer attacks and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be deployed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should identify similar weaknesses in other legacy applications. Organizations should also consider migrating away from unsupported software versions to ensure ongoing security support and protection against emerging threats.