CVE-2005-3769 in PHP Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in files.php in PHP Download Manager 1.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3769 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP Download Manager version 1.1.3 and earlier systems. This security weakness resides in the files.php script which processes user input through the cat parameter without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses the improper handling of SQL commands within application code. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious SQL commands within the cat parameter value, enabling them to manipulate the underlying database queries executed by the application. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the PHP Download Manager application receives user input through the cat parameter in the files.php script. Without proper input validation or parameterized query construction, the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query strings. This design flaw creates an environment where malicious actors can inject SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as remote because attackers can trigger the exploit through web-based interfaces without requiring local system access or authentication. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments where the application operates.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3769 extends far beyond simple data integrity concerns, as it provides attackers with potential full database access capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details stored within the database. The vulnerability also permits attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing data corruption or complete data loss. In multi-tenant environments or applications handling sensitive data, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data access and privacy violations. From an attacker's perspective, the vulnerability maps to multiple techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and data manipulation. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands through this vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution through web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically targeting the cat parameter in files.php. Organizations should upgrade to PHP Download Manager version 1.1.4 or later, which includes patches addressing this vulnerability. Database access controls should be implemented to restrict application database user permissions, ensuring that the application only has access to necessary tables and operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization measures can provide additional defense layers. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities throughout the application stack, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern in legacy web applications that may contain other similar flaws. The remediation process should also include implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure that might aid attackers in further exploitation attempts.