CVE-2006-1978 in FlexBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/start.php in FlexBB 0.5.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the flexbb_username COOKIE parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1978 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the FlexBB 0.5.5 forum software and earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the inc/start.php file where user input from the flexbb_username cookie parameter is improperly handled without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the application's database layer through crafted cookie values, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
This vulnerability operates through the exploitation of improper input validation mechanisms within the web application's authentication and session management components. The flexbb_username cookie parameter serves as an entry point for attackers to manipulate sql queries executed by the application, bypassing normal authentication procedures and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector that falls under the CWE-89 category of improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, making it particularly dangerous due to its ability to execute arbitrary database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete database manipulation including data extraction, modification, and deletion. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, create new administrative accounts, access private user communications, and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability affects all versions of FlexBB up to and including 0.5.5, indicating a widespread issue within the software ecosystem that would have impacted numerous web forums and community platforms relying on this open source solution.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper cookie handling mechanisms. The recommended mitigation strategies align with established security best practices and attack prevention frameworks such as those outlined in the mitre attack matrix where this vulnerability would be classified under the execution and privilege escalation categories. System administrators should prioritize patching the affected software to the latest stable version, implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious cookie values, and conduct thorough security audits of all cookie-based authentication mechanisms. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices as outlined in owasp top ten security risks, emphasizing that cookie parameters must never be directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization.