CVE-2006-6038 in pForum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in editpoll.php in Powie's PHP Forum (pForum) 1.29a and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6038 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the powie s PHP Forum version 1.29a and earlier installations. This vulnerability exists in the editpoll.php script, which serves as a component for managing polls within the forum system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the id parameter to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection attack pattern where malicious input is concatenated directly into SQL query strings without proper escaping or parameterization. When the id parameter is processed in editpoll.php, the application fails to sanitize or validate the input before using it in database operations, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate the query execution flow. This allows for arbitrary SQL command execution, enabling threat actors to extract, modify, or delete database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and database query construction practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, data modification, and potential privilege escalation within the database environment. The implications are particularly severe for forum systems that store user credentials, private messages, and other sensitive information. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocols including web protocols that are commonly targeted in such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code from being executed. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of pForum where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor likely released a security update addressing the input sanitization issues. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls, including least privilege principles, can limit the damage if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring of database access patterns helps detect potential exploitation attempts.