CVE-2005-4674 in Complete PHP Counter
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in list.php in Complete PHP Counter allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) c or (2) s parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4674 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Complete PHP Counter application's list.php script. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors where the c and s parameters are susceptible to malicious input manipulation. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized database access and command execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the list.php script where user parameters are directly concatenated into SQL statements without adequate sanitization measures. This primitive approach to database interaction creates a direct injection opportunity where attackers can craft malicious SQL payloads through the c and s parameters to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete database compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing the Complete PHP Counter application, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected database system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database content, delete records, or potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where database servers are accessible from external networks.
The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through database-level attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of remote services. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and potential legal consequences if sensitive information is accessed through this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a counter application, which typically runs with database privileges that may exceed the application's intended security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected application to address the input validation deficiencies in list.php. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, along with input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters. Network-level protections including firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns, while application-level security measures such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense layers. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection threats. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security patches to protect against well-known exploitation techniques.