CVE-2007-1956 in UBB.threads
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ubbthreads.php in Groupee UBB.threads 6.1.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the C parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1956 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Groupee UBB.threads 6.1.1 software suite, specifically affecting the ubbthreads.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the C parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, making it a fundamental security risk that has persisted across numerous web applications throughout the years. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it does not require any authentication or privileged access, allowing malicious actors to exploit the vulnerability from remote locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the C parameter value is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper input filtering or parameterized query construction. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the intended query execution by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the vulnerable parameter. The vulnerability affects all versions of Groupee UBB.threads up to and including version 6.1.1, indicating a widespread exposure across numerous installations that failed to implement proper input validation or escape mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where user-supplied data is treated as trusted input rather than potentially malicious code. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to database systems, often leading to data exfiltration, modification, or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, or even system-wide infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing data integrity issues or system disruption. In a broader security context, this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to catastrophic consequences, as highlighted in various security frameworks that emphasize the importance of treating all user input as potentially malicious. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple installations suggests that organizations failed to implement proper security patches or input sanitization measures, creating a significant risk for any system running the affected software version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1956 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being processed by database queries. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be mandatory for all database interactions, effectively preventing malicious SQL code from being executed. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious query patterns and unauthorized database access attempts, while network segmentation and access controls should limit potential exploitation pathways. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles, emphasizing the principles of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.