CVE-2005-3920 in Babe Logger
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Babe Logger 2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) gal parameter to index.php or (2) id parameter to comments.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2025
The CVE-2005-3920 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in Babe Logger 2, a web-based content management system that was widely used for blogging and content publishing during the early 2000s. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of user input parameters in two distinct entry points, creating multiple attack vectors that could be exploited by remote threat actors to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's php code, allowing malicious users to inject sql commands through carefully crafted parameters.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary attack vectors that demonstrate poor input handling practices. The first vector targets the gal parameter in the index.php file where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The second vector exploits the id parameter in comments.php, which similarly fails to validate or escape user input before incorporating it into database queries. Both attack paths leverage the fundamental weakness of concatenating user-controllable data directly into sql statements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the intended execution flow of database operations. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is used to construct sql queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected database server. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details from the database. Additionally, attackers could modify or delete database content, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire blogging platform. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks that target web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3920 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves converting all sql query construction to use parameterized queries or prepared statements, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into sql command strings. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in sql injection attacks would significantly reduce the attack surface. Security best practices recommend applying the principle of least privilege to database accounts used by the application, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns in network traffic. The vulnerability serves as a classic example of why secure coding practices and regular security audits are essential components of any comprehensive cybersecurity program, as it demonstrates how simple input validation failures can create severe security implications that persist for years after initial deployment.