CVE-2007-5646 in Simple Machines
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Sources/Search.php in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.1.3, when MySQL 5 is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the userspec parameter in a search2 action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5646 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple Machines Forum 1.1.3 software, specifically affecting installations that utilize MySQL 5 database systems. This security weakness resides in the Sources/Search.php file and manifests when the search2 action is invoked through the index.php script, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs through the userspec parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for injecting malicious SQL commands into the forum's search functionality.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of improper input validation and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within database query construction. When the userspec parameter is processed without proper escaping or parameterization, the application fails to distinguish between legitimate search criteria and malicious SQL code submitted by an attacker. This fundamental breakdown in input validation allows unauthorized individuals to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized modifications to forum content and user information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database manipulation operations including but not limited to user account enumeration, privilege escalation, data deletion, and unauthorized content modification. The remote execution aspect means that attackers do not require physical access to the server or local network connectivity to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web forums. Furthermore, the vulnerability's presence in a widely used forum software platform increases its potential impact, as numerous websites and communities could be simultaneously compromised, leading to widespread data breaches and service disruption.
Organizations and forum administrators should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patch for SMF 1.1.3, which addresses this specific SQL injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and parameterized query construction. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious database query patterns, conducting regular security audits of forum components, and establishing proper input validation protocols for all user-supplied data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous SQL execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that database users have minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful attacks.