CVE-2006-1288 in IP.Board
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Invision Power Board (IPB) 2.0.4 and 2.1.4 before 20060105 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via cookies, related to (1) arrays of id/stamp pairs and (2) the keys in arrays of key/value pairs in ipsclass.php; (3) the topics variable in usercp.php; and the topicsread cookie in (4) topics.php, (5) search.php, and (6) forums.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1288 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Invision Power Board versions 2.0.4 and 2.1.4 prior to the 20060105 release. This vulnerability resides within the core application logic of the bulletin board system, specifically targeting the handling of user-provided data through various cookie parameters. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter malicious SQL payload data before incorporating it into database queries. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 as a direct SQL injection weakness, where untrusted data flows into SQL command construction without proper sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple attack vectors within the application's codebase. Attackers can manipulate cookie values to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the underlying database. The vulnerability manifests in several specific locations including arrays of id/stamp pairs and key/value pair arrays within the ipsclass.php file, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before executing database operations. Additionally, the topics variable in usercp.php and the topicsread cookie in topics.php, search.php, and forums.php all present opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads through manipulated cookie data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially allowing them to read, modify, or delete sensitive data including user credentials, forum content, and system configuration information. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it leverages cookie parameters which are automatically transmitted by web browsers without user intervention, making exploitation relatively straightforward and automated. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected IPB versions to the patched release dated 20060105 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures throughout the application codebase, particularly focusing on cookie parameter handling and database query construction. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced to prevent SQL injection exploitation regardless of input validation failures. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security auditing of web applications and implementation of automated vulnerability scanning tools can help identify similar weaknesses in other software components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security controls in web application development practices to prevent such widespread exploitation opportunities.