CVE-2006-3254 in Burning Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in newthread.php in Woltlab Burning Board (WBB) 2.0 RC2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the boardid parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3254 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Woltlab Burning Board version 2.0 RC2 forum software. This vulnerability specifically affects the newthread.php script which handles the creation of new threads within the bulletin board system. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the boardid parameter, which is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the boardid parameter through HTTP requests to inject malicious SQL code into the underlying database query. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly escape special characters or employ parameterized queries when incorporating user-supplied input into database operations. This allows threat actors to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain complete control over the affected database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform arbitrary database operations. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user credentials, private forum content, and potentially sensitive system information. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this vulnerability. This makes the attack surface particularly wide and the risk assessment critical for any organization running affected WBB versions. The vulnerability could be leveraged to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate and long-term remediation approaches. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the official security patch provided by Woltlab or implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, following the principle of least privilege for database accounts and implementing proper access controls. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application technique, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security measures including proper input validation, secure coding practices, and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in other applications.