CVE-2019-25442 in Web Wiz Forums
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2026
Web Wiz Forums 12.01 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the PF parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to member_profile.asp with malicious PF values to extract sensitive database information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25442 affects Web Wiz Forums version 12.01, a widely used web-based discussion forum platform that has been targeted by cybercriminals seeking unauthorized access to sensitive data. This particular flaw represents a critical security weakness that exposes the application to unauthorized database manipulation through a specific parameter injection mechanism. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which denotes SQL injection flaws, making it a direct descendant of well-known database security issues that have plagued web applications for decades. The attack vector specifically targets the member_profile.asp page where the PF parameter serves as the entry point for malicious input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Web Wiz Forums application. When users access the member_profile.asp page with a malicious PF parameter value, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code that executes within the database context, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials, meaning that any remote attacker can exploit this weakness without prior access to the system. The GET request methodology makes exploitation straightforward and easily automated, as attackers can simply construct malicious URLs to test and exploit the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass full database compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this SQL injection flaw to extract sensitive user information including usernames, email addresses, and potentially password hashes stored within the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially disrupting forum operations or destroying valuable user data. Furthermore, successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the database, potentially gaining access to additional systems or data sources that share the same database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate security controls in the application's input handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the Web Wiz Forums application. Organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the PF parameter. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened to reject or sanitize any characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scans and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application. The remediation process should also include implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines for preventing injection flaws in web applications.