CVE-2007-3584 in PNphpBB2
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in viewforum.php in PNphpBB2 1.2i and earlier for Postnuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The CVE-2007-3584 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PNphpBB2 bulletin board system version 1.2i and earlier releases distributed through Postnuke platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the viewforum.php script which serves as the primary interface for displaying forum categories and their associated discussions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database query constructions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the order parameter through maliciously crafted sql commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization checks, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the order parameter value is directly concatenated into sql query strings without proper parameterization or input sanitization. This creates a classic sql injection vector where attacker-controlled data flows directly into the database execution context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. When an attacker submits malicious input through the order parameter, the application processes this data without adequate validation, leading to unauthorized sql command execution. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as successful exploitation can enable complete database compromise, data modification, or even system level access depending on the underlying database permissions and configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing outdated PNphpBB2 installations. The remote execution capability means attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data breaches, unauthorized modification of forum content, user account compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the affected system resides. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, representing a common attack pattern where adversaries target publicly accessible web applications to establish initial access. The impact is further amplified by the fact that many organizations may not regularly update their legacy systems, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits for extended periods.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3584 include immediate patching of affected PNphpBB2 installations to versions that properly implement input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in database operations. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should become standard practice for all database interactions within the application. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious parameter values and anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the entire application portfolio, with particular attention to legacy systems that may contain undiscovered vulnerabilities.