CVE-2006-5736 in PunBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in PunBB before 1.2.14, when the PHP installation is vulnerable to CVE-2006-3017, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the result_list array parameter, which is not initialized.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The CVE-2006-5736 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PunBB bulletin board software ecosystem, specifically targeting versions prior to 1.2.14. This vulnerability emerges from a fundamental design flaw in the search.php script where the result_list array parameter undergoes no proper initialization or sanitization before being processed in database queries. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the broader php vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3017, which affects php installations and creates additional attack vectors that amplify the impact of this specific vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the result_list parameter within the search.php script, where an attacker can inject malicious sql code that gets executed directly against the underlying database. The lack of proper input validation and parameter initialization creates an environment where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without adequate sanitization. This pattern aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper data handling can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing affected PunBB installations, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands with potentially elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can facilitate complete system compromise and persistent access. The combination with CVE-2006-3017 creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can exploit multiple layers of vulnerability to achieve more comprehensive system compromise.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to PunBB version 1.2.14 or later, which contains proper input validation and parameter initialization. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input sanitization at multiple layers, utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious parameter values. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper input validation and parameter initialization are critical security controls, as outlined in the mitre attack framework where such flaws often map to initial access and privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection vulnerabilities within their php-based applications and ensure proper security hardening practices are implemented across all web applications.