CVE-2008-0787 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/datahandlers/pm.php in MyBB before 1.2.12 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the options[disablesmilies] parameter to private.php.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0787 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MyBB forum software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.2.12. This issue resides in the private message data handling component at inc/datahandlers/pm.php, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated users submit malicious payloads through the options[disablesmilies] parameter in the private.php script, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. This weakness fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application's data layer and exposes sensitive information to unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection attack pattern where the malicious input bypasses input validation mechanisms and directly influences the SQL query execution flow. When the options[disablesmilies] parameter is processed without proper sanitization, it allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the context of the database user account. This creates a pathway for data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, and potential privilege escalation within the database environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the data handling process for private messages, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through legitimate user interactions rather than requiring administrative access or special privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to retrieving administrator credentials, modifying user accounts, deleting forum content, and potentially gaining shell access to the underlying server. The authenticated nature of the attack means that exploitation requires a valid user account, but this limitation does not significantly reduce the threat level as it only requires a low-privilege account to be compromised. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of private messaging within the forum, which represents a fundamental communication mechanism for users and administrators alike, making the impact particularly severe.
Organizations and system administrators should prioritize immediate patching of affected MyBB installations to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the exposure time. The remediation process involves updating to MyBB version 1.2.12 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the affected parameter. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in private messaging operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as a critical security weakness requiring immediate attention. The attack vector maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat landscape. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application stack.