CVE-2005-4461 in Beehive Forum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Beehive Forum 0.6.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user_sess parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2025
The CVE-2005-4461 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the Beehive Forum version 0.6.2 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script within the forum software, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted input. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the user_sess parameter, which is typically used to maintain user session information within the application's state management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's query execution pipeline through the user_sess parameter. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it concatenates user-supplied input directly into sql queries, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended database operations. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the database interaction mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow full database compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to forum administrators and users alike. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to execute unauthorized database commands, potentially leading to data theft, data modification, or complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as attackers may be able to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on the database configuration and permissions. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 0.6.2, making it a widespread concern for organizations running legacy forum software.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a fundamental failure in input validation and secure coding practices within the application's data handling procedures. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement proper input validation measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The remediation strategy should include proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and comprehensive security testing of all application components handling user input.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in web application development. The lack of proper input validation in the user_sess parameter processing represents a fundamental security oversight that directly enables malicious exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including web application firewalls, regular security audits, and proper code review processes to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced into production systems. The vulnerability also highlights the need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts effectively.