CVE-2005-4164 in PHP-addressbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view.php in PHP-addressbook 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4164 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP-addressbook 1.2 web application. This vulnerability specifically affects the view.php script which processes user input through the id parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject crafted SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper escaping or parameterization. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary database operations including but not limited to data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potentially complete control over the application's backend database. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal contact details, and other confidential data stored within the addressbook application. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user information. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend systems. The attack surface is further expanded as the vulnerability affects the entire database management system that supports the addressbook functionality, potentially allowing for lateral movement within the network if the database server shares resources with other systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4164 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically targeting the id parameter in view.php. This approach aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and secure coding guidelines that emphasize the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding and input sanitization mechanisms to ensure that any user-supplied data is properly validated before being processed by the application. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. Network segmentation and database access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from common attack vectors like SQL injection.