CVE-2005-3943 in FAQ System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ilyav FAQ System 1.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) FAQ_ID and (2) action parameters in (a) viewFAQ.php; and (3) CATEGORY_ID parameter in (b) index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The CVE-2005-3943 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the ilyav FAQ System version 1.1 and earlier, exposing multiple pathways for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, making it a fundamental weakness in database interaction handling. The affected system components include the viewFAQ.php script where FAQ_ID and action parameters are processed, as well as the index.php script where CATEGORY_ID parameter presents an additional attack vector. These vulnerabilities demonstrate poor input validation and sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted parameter values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input from HTTP parameters is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can craft malicious inputs that alter the intended query structure, potentially allowing them to extract, modify, or delete database contents. The vulnerability affects multiple parameter types including integer identifiers and string values, making the attack surface broader and more dangerous. When the FAQ_ID parameter in viewFAQ.php is manipulated, it can cause the application to execute unintended SQL operations that bypass authentication mechanisms and access restricted database information. Similarly, the action parameter in the same script can be exploited to perform various malicious database operations depending on the application's implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the database backend. Remote attackers can leverage these injection points to escalate privileges, modify existing records, insert new malicious entries, or even delete entire database tables. The vulnerability's presence in both viewFAQ.php and index.php scripts creates multiple entry points for exploitation, increasing the probability of successful attack. Organizations using this vulnerable system face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects the core functionality of an FAQ system, which often contains sensitive information about organizational processes, technical details, and user data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental input handling issues that enable the SQL injection attacks. The primary solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application code, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into SQL commands. Input validation and sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers, including parameter validation, type checking, and length restrictions. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should follow industry best practices and security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks. Regular updates and patches should be applied to eliminate the vulnerability and prevent future exploitation attempts.