CVE-2006-6237 in Burning Board Lite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the decode_cookie function in thread.php in Woltlab Burning Board Lite 1.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the threadvisit Cookie parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6237 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Woltlab Burning Board Lite 1.0.2 forum software, specifically affecting the decode_cookie function in the thread.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-provided data through the threadvisit cookie parameter, which is commonly used to track user activity and thread visitation status within the forum environment. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the cookie value in such a way that it gets directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized database access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the decode_cookie function. When a user's browser sends the threadvisit cookie to the server, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the cookie value before incorporating it into database queries. This primitive approach to data handling enables attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax through the cookie parameter, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the forum's database interaction mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data manipulation, unauthorized access to user accounts, and potential system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive user information such as usernames, passwords, and personal data stored in the database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where malicious users could potentially gain administrative access to the forum, leading to complete system compromise. Additionally, the attack surface is significant since forum software typically handles large volumes of user data and often contains sensitive information that can be valuable for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user-provided input, particularly cookie values, before they are processed in database operations. This approach aligns with CWE-89 standards for SQL injection prevention and follows ATT&CK framework techniques for command and control operations. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation mechanisms should be deployed to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the application. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input sanitization, particularly for applications handling user-generated content and cookies that can be manipulated by external parties.