CVE-2008-0099 in MyPHP Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in MyPHP Forum 3.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the searchtext parameter to search.php, and unspecified other vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0099 represents a critical security flaw in MyPHP Forum version 3.0 and earlier systems, exposing the platform to remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the forum's search functionality and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and parameter handling that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries directly. The issue affects the searchtext parameter in the search.php script, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the database context. The vulnerability extends beyond the search functionality to unspecified other vectors, indicating a broader architectural weakness in the application's security design and query construction processes.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user inputs, specifically the searchtext parameter that is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate escaping or parameterization. When an attacker submits malicious input through the search interface, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the data before incorporating it into database commands. This allows attackers to manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting additional SQL statements or commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database engine. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based interfaces, making it accessible to remote threat actors without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying database infrastructure. Successful exploitation could result in complete data compromise including user credentials, personal information, forum content, and potentially system-level data. Attackers could modify, delete, or extract sensitive information from the database, leading to data breaches, identity theft, and service disruption. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain administrative access to the forum system, allowing them to modify forum settings, add malicious content, or establish persistent backdoors. Additionally, the presence of SQL injection vulnerabilities often serves as a stepping stone for further attacks, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within network environments where the forum system resides.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0099 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query construction techniques to prevent malicious SQL code execution. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from user data. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions of MyPHP Forum that address this vulnerability, while network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, with adherence to secure coding practices that prevent injection flaws. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing proper access controls to limit database user privileges, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which emphasizes legitimate credentials and privilege escalation as common attack vectors.