CVE-2006-2097 in IP.Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in func_msg.php in Invision Power Board (IPB) 2.1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the from_contact field in a private message (PM).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2097 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Invision Power Board version 2.1.4, specifically affecting the func_msg.php component responsible for handling private messaging functionality. This security weakness resides in the improper validation and sanitization of user input submitted through the from_contact field when creating private messages. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms and potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
This vulnerability operates through a classic SQL injection attack vector where the from_contact field in private messages is not properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL queries. The absence of input sanitization allows attackers to manipulate the database query structure by injecting malicious SQL syntax that gets executed with the privileges of the web application's database user. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as attackers can perform destructive operations including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive user information stored within the IPB database.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, encompassing potential data breaches, unauthorized account access, and complete database compromise. Attackers could exploit this flaw to escalate privileges, extract confidential user information such as usernames, passwords, and personal details, or even modify forum content and user permissions. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for online communities relying on IPB for their platform infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable IPB version, followed by crafting malicious payloads targeting the from_contact field, and finally executing database commands to achieve the attacker's objectives. Organizations running IPB 2.1.4 should consider implementing immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and database access restrictions to prevent unauthorized execution of SQL commands. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the potential for remote code execution through database manipulation in web applications.
The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the IPB software to version 2.1.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for the affected field. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities, enforcing least privilege database access for web applications, and conducting regular security assessments of forum software components can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also establish proper logging and monitoring of database activities to detect anomalous query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why security-conscious development practices including input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security updates are essential for maintaining secure web applications.