CVE-2007-5719 in miniBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bb_func_search.php in miniBB 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the table parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5719 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the miniBB 2.1 bulletin board software that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the bb_func_search.php component where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The attack vector occurs when the table parameter is passed through index.php to the search functionality, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database layer.
This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The miniBB 2.1 software does not implement adequate sanitization measures for the table parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow through crafted input sequences that bypass normal security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to execute unauthorized database operations remotely without requiring legitimate authentication credentials. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, private messages, and forum content. The remote execution capability means that malicious actors can perform actions such as creating new user accounts, modifying existing records, deleting data, or even gaining shell access to the underlying server depending on the database permissions and configuration.
From an attack framework perspective this vulnerability aligns with the attack technique T1071.004 from the mitre att&ck framework which covers application layer protocol manipulation. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious table parameter values that contain sql injection payloads designed to manipulate the database query structure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects the entire user base of miniBB 2.1 installations and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's data handling architecture that requires immediate remediation.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to a patched version of miniBB or implement web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the application uses least privilege principles when connecting to the database, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.