CVE-2006-3775 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the init function in class_session.php in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) 1.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the CLIENT-IP HTTP header ($_SERVER[ HTTP_CLIENT_IP ] variable), as utilized by index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3775 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the MyBB bulletin board system version 1.1.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the init function within the class_session.php file, which serves as a fundamental component for session management and user authentication within the application. The flaw arises from the improper handling of user-supplied input through the CLIENT-IP HTTP header, which is processed through the $_SERVER[HTTP_CLIENT_IP] variable. This particular implementation demonstrates a classic example of insecure input validation where external user data is directly incorporated into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the CLIENT-IP HTTP header value, which is then passed to the vulnerable init function. When the application processes this header value within its session initialization logic, it fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql commands. This oversight creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the session initialization level, meaning that successful exploitation could potentially compromise user sessions, access sensitive data, or even escalate privileges within the database environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to MyBB installations running version 1.1.5, as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring authentication. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data corruption, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The fact that this vulnerability operates through a standard http header makes it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through conventional network monitoring approaches, as the malicious payloads appear as legitimate header values.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the attack tree methodology. This vulnerability would be classified under the attack technique of command injection within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the database layer of the application. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation of all http headers, particularly those used in session management, and consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious header values. The recommended remediation involves proper parameterization of all database queries and implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied data, including http headers, to prevent the injection of sql commands. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns of insecure data handling that could lead to similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application.