CVE-2006-5029 in Burning Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in thread.php in WoltLab Burning Board (wBB) 2.3.x allows remote attackers to obtain the version numbers of PHP, MySQL, and wBB via the page parameter. NOTE: this issue might be a forced SQL error. Also, the original report was disputed by a third party for 2.3.3 and 2.3.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5029 represents a significant security flaw in WoltLab Burning Board version 2.3.x, specifically within the thread.php script. This SQL injection vulnerability manifests when attackers exploit the page parameter, enabling them to extract sensitive version information about the underlying PHP, MySQL, and wBB systems. The flaw operates as a forced SQL error mechanism, where malicious input triggers database errors that inadvertently reveal system version details. Such information disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they provide attackers with critical system intelligence that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates how seemingly benign information disclosure can create pathways for more sophisticated attacks. The affected software version 2.3.x represents a critical security gap that compromises the integrity of the forum's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of user input within the thread.php script, where the page parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. When malicious input is provided through this parameter, the database engine executes unintended SQL commands that result in error messages containing version information. This forced error approach demonstrates how attackers can manipulate database interactions to extract information beyond their intended scope, a technique commonly referenced in ATT&CK framework under T1213 - Data from Information Repositories. The vulnerability's nature as a forced SQL error indicates that the application does not properly validate or escape user-supplied input before processing it within database operations, creating an exploitable path for information gathering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple version disclosure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive system intelligence that can inform further exploitation strategies. Knowledge of PHP and MySQL versions allows adversaries to identify potential exploits specific to those versions, while wBB version information reveals the exact software stack and its known vulnerabilities. This intelligence gathering capability enables attackers to craft more targeted attacks against the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exposure through a simple parameter manipulation means that even unauthenticated attackers can exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible forums. Organizations running affected wBB versions face increased risk of downstream attacks, as this information disclosure serves as a foundation for more advanced exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5029 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries within the thread.php script. The most effective approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user input, eliminating the possibility of SQL injection through the page parameter. Additionally, input sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers, including application-level validation and database-level escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper error handling that prevents database error messages from being exposed to end users, ensuring that any SQL errors are logged internally rather than displayed publicly. Security patches or updates from WoltLab should be applied immediately, as version 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 reportedly addressed this issue. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of parameter manipulation that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application. The vulnerability's resolution through official patches demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security practices that prevent information disclosure through database interactions.