CVE-2005-3743 in SimplePoll
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in results.php in SimplePoll allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pollid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The CVE-2005-3743 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the SimplePoll application's results.php script, where the pollid parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities that occur when application code does not properly sanitize user supplied data before using it in sql commands. The flaw exists within the web application's input handling mechanism where the pollid parameter is directly concatenated into sql statements without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system. This capability allows threat actors to perform unauthorized data access, data manipulation, data deletion, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the SimplePoll application's data store, enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from the database or modify poll results in ways that could compromise the application's functionality and credibility. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication to exploit and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it highly accessible to both skilled and less sophisticated attackers.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper input validation and sanitization practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements as recommended by the owasp top ten project and the mitre attack framework, where the pollid parameter should be properly escaped or bound to prevent sql command injection. Organizations utilizing SimplePoll or similar polling applications should immediately implement input validation measures including whitelisting acceptable pollid values, implementing proper sql query parameterization, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and the implementation of web application firewalls to detect and prevent such injection attacks, as the attack pattern aligns with common techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the mitre attack framework's command and control categories.