CVE-2005-4619 in Zorum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in phpoutsourcing Zorum Forum 3.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rollid parameter in the showhtmllist method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4619 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the phpoutsourcing Zorum Forum version 3.5 and earlier, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in the showhtmllist method where user input is inadequately sanitized before being incorporated into SQL query constructions. The rollid parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer through web interface interactions.
This security weakness fundamentally stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the application's database interaction logic. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the underlying SQL queries by inserting malicious SQL syntax through the rollid parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied data flows directly into database commands without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an environment conducive to data extraction, modification, or deletion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. This can result in complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized users to view confidential information, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability affects the entire forum functionality since the compromised database layer controls all user interactions, post management, and forum operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate forum content, steal user credentials, or establish persistent access points within the target environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the Database Operations tactic, specifically targeting the Execution and Privilege Escalation phases. From a CWE perspective, this represents a classic instance of CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its location within a forum application where user-generated content processing is common, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the affected software version and implementation of secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.