CVE-2005-3408 in gCards
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in news.php in gCards version 1.43 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the limit parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3408 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the gCards version 1.43 web application, specifically affecting the news.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the limit parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through this parameter, potentially compromising the entire underlying database infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities fall under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a persistent threat to database security. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system, making it accessible to any internet user who can interact with the vulnerable web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection pattern where the limit parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper input filtering or parameterization. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to validate or escape special sql characters, allowing the injected code to be executed within the database context. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the news.php script which likely handles pagination or data retrieval operations, making the limit parameter a natural target for exploitation. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services through sql injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the application's database behavior in potentially devastating ways. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the gCards application, including user credentials, personal data, or other confidential records. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify application logic, or even establish persistent access through database backdoors. The implications are particularly severe for web applications that handle sensitive user information, as the compromise of one vulnerable component can lead to widespread data exposure. Organizations using gCards version 1.43 would face significant security risks including potential regulatory violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also highlights the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in web application development, as proper parameterization and input sanitization would have prevented this exploitation path. Remediation efforts should include immediate patching of the gCards application to version 1.44 or later, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and conducting comprehensive security audits of similar web applications to identify and address potential sql injection vulnerabilities.