CVE-2006-1019 in UKiBoard
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in fce.php in UKiBoard 3.0.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a BBCode url tag when using the show_post function. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information, some of which reference a source URL that appears to be for an unrelated issue.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1019 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the UKiBoard 3.0.1 bulletin board system, specifically manifesting in the fce.php script. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms when processing BBCode url tags within the show_post function. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications viewed by other users. The attack vector involves a remote threat actor who can manipulate the BBCode url tag parameter to inject arbitrary web script or HTML content, thereby compromising the application's security integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it within the web page context. When the show_post function processes BBCode url tags, it does not adequately escape or validate the URL content, allowing malicious payloads to persist in the application's output. This creates an environment where an attacker can craft a malicious BBCode tag that, when displayed to other users, executes unauthorized scripts in their browser context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the user interface level where trusted users interact with forum content, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and malicious posts. The flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding principles and demonstrates poor input sanitization practices that are commonly addressed in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When users view posts containing malicious BBCode, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially allowing attackers to access session cookies, capture user credentials, or redirect them to phishing sites. This vulnerability affects the entire user base of the UKiBoard installation, as any user viewing affected posts becomes a potential victim. The attack can be amplified through social engineering tactics where attackers create seemingly legitimate posts that contain malicious BBCode, exploiting user trust in forum content. The vulnerability also poses risks to the application's integrity and user privacy, potentially leading to data breaches and reputational damage for the organization running the forum.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user-supplied content before rendering it within the application's interface, particularly when processing BBCode tags and other markup languages. Security measures should include implementing strict whitelist validation for URL schemes and domains, applying proper HTML entity encoding to all dynamic content, and employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security audits and input validation testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks that can be facilitated through XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, the fix should incorporate proper error handling and logging mechanisms to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, ensuring that the application maintains its integrity and user trust.