CVE-2003-1215 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in groupcp.php for phpBB 2.0.6 and earlier allows group moderators to perform unauthorized activities via the sql_in parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1215 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpBB forum software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 2.0.6 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the groupcp.php script which handles group management functionalities for phpBB installations. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the sql_in parameter, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets group moderators, who typically hold elevated privileges within the forum's permission structure, making the attack vector more dangerous than typical user-level exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the groupcp.php script. When the sql_in parameter is processed, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious sql fragments that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields for execution by the database. Attackers can exploit this weakness to escalate privileges, extract sensitive data, modify forum content, or even gain complete administrative control over the phpBB installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables unauthorized activities that can severely damage forum integrity and user trust. Group moderators who are compromised can manipulate user permissions, delete posts, modify user accounts, and potentially access sensitive information stored within the database. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because group moderators often have access to administrative functions that should be restricted to forum administrators. This vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized modification of forum content, making it a significant threat to organizations relying on phpBB for community management. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage and privilege escalation through compromised credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1215 require immediate action including upgrading to phpBB versions 2.0.7 or later where this vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. The patch addresses the core issue by properly sanitizing the sql_in parameter before database execution, preventing malicious sql injection attempts. Security measures should include regular security audits of phpBB installations, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and implementing proper access controls for group moderator accounts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing sql injection attacks across web applications.