CVE-2005-3236 in Cyphor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Cyphor 0.19 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL and obtain administrative access via (1) the fid parameter of newmsg.php, which can enable XSS attacks when the SQL syntax is invalid or (2) the nick parameter of lostpwd.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3236 represents a critical security flaw in Cyphor 0.19, a web-based messaging system that suffered from multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's handling of user-supplied data, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects two distinct endpoints within the application's web interface, each presenting unique attack vectors that could lead to complete system compromise.
The primary attack vector involves the fid parameter within the newmsg.php script, where attackers can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed against the underlying database. When the SQL syntax is invalid, this injection can trigger cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, creating a cascading security risk that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of other users' browsers. The secondary vulnerability exists in the nick parameter of lostpwd.php, where similar injection techniques can be employed to manipulate password recovery mechanisms. These vulnerabilities fall under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and they align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities is severe and multifaceted, as they enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database, potentially allowing full system compromise. Successful exploitation could result in data theft, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and complete control over the messaging system's backend. The combination of SQL injection and cross-site scripting capabilities creates a particularly dangerous attack scenario where attackers can not only manipulate database contents but also execute malicious scripts in users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they affect core application functionality and can be exploited without requiring authentication.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. All user-supplied input must be sanitized and validated before being incorporated into database queries, with the implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The application should enforce strict access controls and implement proper output encoding to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection, while implementing web application firewalls may help detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The fixes should align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.