CVE-2005-0282 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in member.php in MyBulletinBoard (MyBB) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the uid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0282 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MyBulletinBoard (MyBB) web application, specifically affecting the member.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the uid parameter, which is processed without proper input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the database query execution by injecting malicious SQL commands through the uid parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. MyBB is a popular open-source bulletin board system used by numerous websites for community engagement and discussion forums, making this vulnerability particularly concerning due to its widespread deployment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input when constructing database queries. When the uid parameter is passed to member.php, the application directly incorporates this value into SQL statements without adequate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where an attacker can append malicious SQL code to the uid parameter, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is embedded into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even execute administrative commands on the database server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, including passwords, personal details, and private communications stored within the MyBB database. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and potentially use the compromised forum as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire MyBB installation, making it a significant threat to organizations relying on this platform for community management. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage application flaws to gain initial access, and T1071.005 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it specifically targets web application interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0282 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of MyBB that address this vulnerability, as the original developers released security updates to resolve the issue. Implementing proper input sanitization techniques including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries ensures that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring and filtering malicious SQL injection attempts. Security administrators should also implement database access controls, regularly audit database queries, and monitor for unusual database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure coding practices.