CVE-2005-4647 in Pearl Forums
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PEARLINGER Pearl Forums 2.4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) forumsId and (2) topicId parameters in index.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4647 represents a critical security flaw in PEARLINGER Pearl Forums version 2.4, specifically targeting the application's handling of user input in the index.php script. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection opportunities that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The attack vectors are specifically identified through the forumsId and topicId parameters, which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which describes SQL injection as a condition where untrusted input is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without proper escaping or parameterization, making it a prime target for database exploitation techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the forumsId and topicId parameters in the index.php file. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape these parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these parameters are commonly used in forum navigation and topic viewing functionality, making the exploitation relatively straightforward.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete system compromise through database-level attacks. Attackers can leverage the SQL injection to extract sensitive user information, including passwords stored in the database, personal details, and potentially administrative credentials that could lead to full system control. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and availability, as attackers could modify or delete forum content, user accounts, or system configuration data. From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the application's input handling and database access control mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. The lack of proper input validation creates a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute commands at the database level.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective approach involves using prepared statements with parameterized queries, which ensures that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines, including the removal or encoding of special characters that could be used in SQL injection attacks, provides an additional layer of protection. The application should also enforce strict access controls and implement proper error handling to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in crafting more sophisticated attacks. From an operational standpoint, regular security assessments and code reviews are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in applications to gain unauthorized access to systems, and T1071.004, which covers the use of application layer protocols for command and control communications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these specific parameters.