CVE-2005-3918 in OvBB
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in OvBB 0.08a allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) threadid parameter to thread.php and (2) userid parameter to profile.php. NOTE: the vendor disputes these issues, saying "these reports are completely unsubstantial."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3918 affects OvBB version 0.08a, a web-based bulletin board system that was widely used for online community forums. This particular vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection flaws that could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects core functionality parameters within the application's user interface. The vulnerability exists in two primary locations: the threadid parameter within thread.php and the userid parameter within profile.php, both of which are commonly used in forum navigation and user profile access operations.
The technical flaw in question represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. When attackers manipulate the threadid parameter in thread.php or the userid parameter in profile.php, they can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database server. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into database queries, creating an entry point for attackers to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain complete control over the database system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database manipulation. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, forum content, and potentially system-level privileges. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit these vulnerabilities. Attackers could leverage these flaws to create backdoors, modify user permissions, delete forum content, or extract sensitive information from the database. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the bulletin board system hosts sensitive user information or serves as a platform for business communications.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting the use of injection techniques to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vendor's response dismissing these reports as "completely unsubstantial" raises concerns about the validity of the vulnerability assessment, though the technical nature of SQL injection flaws typically warrants careful consideration regardless of vendor stance. Organizations should implement proper input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper input sanitization, using prepared statements or parameterized queries, applying input validation filters, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.