CVE-2005-4656 in TClanPortal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in TClanPortal 1.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, and retrieve all usernames and passwords, via the id parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4656 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the TClanPortal content management system version 1.1.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the index.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL database queries. The specific parameter affected is the 'id' parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper query construction techniques that fail to separate SQL command logic from user-supplied data, creating an avenue for unauthorized database access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a direct result of insufficient input sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious input strings containing SQL metacharacters and commands that bypass normal validation checks, allowing them to inject arbitrary SQL code directly into the database execution context. When the vulnerable application processes the 'id' parameter through an unsafe SQL query construction method, the injected commands execute with the privileges of the database user account under which the application operates. This creates a complete compromise of the database backend, enabling attackers to perform read, write, and delete operations on all stored data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system. Remote attackers can extract all usernames and passwords stored within the database, potentially gaining access to administrative accounts and sensitive user information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system privileges to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands allows attackers to modify or delete data, potentially causing system downtime, data corruption, or complete system compromise, with implications for the broader network infrastructure that relies on the compromised portal.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves adopting secure coding practices that follow the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques. Database access controls should be implemented to limit the privileges of the application's database user account, following the principle of least privilege. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed, while network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper application security testing including dynamic and static analysis, as well as the implementation of web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attacks.