CVE-2006-1076 in IP.Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php, possibly during a showtopic operation, in Invision Power Board (IPB) 2.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the st parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1076 represents a critical sql injection flaw within Invision Power Board version 2.1.5, specifically manifesting in the index.php script during showtopic operations. This vulnerability exposes the forum software to remote code execution risks when the st parameter is manipulated by unauthorized users. The flaw occurs due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. The st parameter, which typically handles pagination or topic display states, becomes a vector for malicious sql command injection when attackers submit crafted payloads that bypass normal input processing. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-89, which classifies sql injection as a weakness that allows attackers to manipulate sql queries through untrusted input, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The impact extends beyond simple data extraction to potentially allow full system compromise through database manipulation, user credential theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive forum information.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for any organization utilizing Invision Power Board 2.1.5, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication. Attackers can exploit this flaw to enumerate database schemas, extract user credentials, modify forum content, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible forums. During showtopic operations, the st parameter is processed without proper input sanitization, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted as sql syntax rather than plain text input. This creates opportunities for attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive user information. The vulnerability's persistence in version 2.1.5 indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's data handling architecture that affects core forum functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1076 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Invision Power Board installation to version 2.1.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks, ensuring that user input is properly escaped or validated before database interaction. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious sql injection attempts targeting the st parameter. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering, database-level access controls, and proper error handling to prevent information leakage. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual database access patterns or sql query structures that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix for this vulnerability aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2004 and subsequent security frameworks that emphasize the importance of input validation and proper sql query construction. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include user access review and database privilege management to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs despite preventive measures.