CVE-2005-2888 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in MyBulletinBoard (MyBB) Preview Release 2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) fid parameter to misc.php or (2) Content-Disposition field in the HTTP header to newreply.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2888 represents a critical security flaw in MyBulletinBoard version 2, a popular web-based bulletin board system. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection opportunities that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication. The flaw exists in two distinct attack vectors within the application's codebase, making it particularly dangerous as it provides multiple pathways for exploitation. The vulnerability affects the preview release version of MyBB, indicating that this was an early-stage issue that was not properly addressed before the software reached production readiness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the application's handling of user-supplied data. The first vector involves the fid parameter in the misc.php script, where an attacker can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed against the underlying database. The second vector targets the Content-Disposition field in HTTP headers when processing newreply.php, demonstrating that the application fails to properly escape or validate header data before incorporating it into database queries. Both attack vectors directly exploit the application's lack of proper parameter sanitization and demonstrate a classic SQL injection flaw where user input is concatenated directly into SQL commands without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization using the affected MyBB version. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database server, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers could manipulate forum data, insert malicious content, escalate privileges, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on the database configuration and permissions. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or any insider knowledge, making it particularly dangerous for public-facing web applications. Organizations using this software would face significant reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences from data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the underlying SQL injection flaws in the MyBB codebase. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase, specifically targeting the fid parameter handling in misc.php and the HTTP header processing in newreply.php. Organizations should apply the vendor's official security patches or upgrade to a patched version of MyBB immediately, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and proper escaping mechanisms, will prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in various security frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure software development. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database injection technique, with potential for privilege escalation and data manipulation once initial access is achieved through the SQL injection.