CVE-2007-0226 in uniForum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wbsearch.aspx in uniForum 4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "by User" field (aka the TXbyuser parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0226 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the uniForum 4 content management system and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the wbsearch.aspx page which processes search queries submitted by users. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input passed through the TXbyuser parameter, which corresponds to the "by User" field in the search interface. This parameter is used to filter search results based on user-specific content, making it a prime target for malicious exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql command structure in application code. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly appended to sql queries without proper sanitization. When a user submits specially crafted data through the TXbyuser field, the application processes this input by constructing sql statements that incorporate the user-provided values directly into database queries. This allows threat actors to manipulate the intended sql execution flow and inject their own sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables full database compromise and potential system takeover. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands which may include data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability affects the entire uniForum 4 platform and earlier versions, meaning that any organization running these systems is at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive user data, forum content, and potentially system credentials. This type of vulnerability can lead to complete database exposure and may provide attackers with persistence mechanisms within the compromised environment.
The threat landscape surrounding this vulnerability demonstrates how sql injection attacks remain prevalent in web applications despite decades of awareness. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1190, this vulnerability enables adversaries to perform initial access and privilege escalation through database exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries to prevent such attacks. The remediation strategy involves updating to patched versions of uniForum, implementing proper input sanitization, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced and that applications do not have unnecessary administrative database permissions.
Security professionals should recognize that this vulnerability exemplifies the importance of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments. The flaw represents a classic case where inadequate input validation created an exploitable path for malicious actors to gain unauthorized database access. Organizations should conduct thorough penetration testing and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications, particularly in search and filter functionality where user input is processed. The vulnerability also highlights the critical need for timely patch management and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies including database monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of such fundamental security flaws.