CVE-2006-4564 in SMF
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Sources/ManageBoards.php in Simple Machines Forum 1.1 RC3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cur_cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4564 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple Machines Forum 1.1 RC3 software, specifically within the Sources/ManageBoards.php file. This weakness arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a core administrative function of the forum system, potentially allowing unauthorized users to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the cur_cat parameter which is processed without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker supplies malicious input to this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter the data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This oversight enables attackers to inject additional SQL commands that are then executed by the database engine with the privileges of the forum application. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, where improper handling of user input leads to unauthorized database access and potential data compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges and gain full control over the forum's database. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise including user credential theft, data modification, deletion of forum content, and potential lateral movement within the network if the database server hosts additional sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire forum system, potentially exposing thousands of user accounts and their associated personal information. This weakness directly impacts the availability of the service through potential data corruption or complete system compromise.
Organizations utilizing Simple Machines Forum 1.1 RC3 should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves patching the application to properly sanitize all user inputs, particularly those used in database queries. Input validation should be implemented at multiple levels including application code, database layer, and network perimeter defenses. Network segmentation and database access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring and protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing and maintaining web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in their software infrastructure. This incident underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security patches and following established security frameworks such as those defined in the ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against common exploitation techniques.