CVE-2006-1423 in UBB.threads
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showflat.php in UBB.threads 5.5.1, 6.0 br5, 6.0.1, 6.0.2, and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Number parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1423 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the UBB.threads bulletin board software across multiple versions including 5.5.1, 6.0 br5, 6.0.1, 6.0.2, and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the showflat.php script which processes user input through the Number parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. According to CWE-89, this vulnerability maps directly to improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, a classification that encompasses SQL injection attacks where attacker-controlled data is concatenated into SQL queries without adequate protection measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. This means that remote attackers can potentially extract sensitive information from database tables, modify or delete records, create new database users, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of UBB.threads, which is a widely used web-based discussion forum platform, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise online communities and their associated data. The attack vector is straightforward and accessible, requiring only a remote connection to the vulnerable application and the ability to manipulate the Number parameter in the showflat.php script.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete database compromise. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL code. Organizations running affected versions of UBB.threads should immediately implement patches or upgrades to address this vulnerability, as the attack surface remains significant given the widespread use of this bulletin board software. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web applications through SQL injection methods. Additionally, this vulnerability falls under the broader category of database access control failures that can lead to data breaches, making it a critical priority for security teams to remediate through proper code review processes and input validation implementations.
The remediation strategy should focus on implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of parameterized queries, input validation, and output encoding to prevent malicious SQL code from being executed. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping software components updated and the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent injection vulnerabilities at the source. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database permissions to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that database accounts used by web applications have the minimum required privileges to function properly.