CVE-2005-3963 in DotClear
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in session.php in DotClear before 1.2.3 allows remote attackers in execute arbitrary SQL commands via the dc_xd parameter in a cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3963 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the DotClear blogging platform prior to version 1.2.3. This vulnerability specifically affects the session.php script and exploits a weakness in how the application processes the dc_xd parameter within HTTP cookies. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through crafted cookie values, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of cookie data, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without requiring authentication or prior access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly escape or validate the dc_xd parameter value before incorporating it into SQL queries executed against the backend database. This improper handling of user-supplied input creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted cookie values. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands that can range from simple data retrieval to complete database manipulation and potential system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using affected versions of DotClear as their blogging platform. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive user credentials, personal information, and content from the database without detection. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to malicious actors. Successful exploitation could result in data breaches, unauthorized content modification, and potential lateral movement within networks where DotClear systems are deployed. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise as attackers may use the vulnerability as a foothold for further reconnaissance and persistent access to the compromised systems.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to DotClear version 1.2.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for cookie parameters. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns in cookie data. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could lead to comparable vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the fix properly addresses the vulnerability without introducing regressions in application functionality. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful attacks.