CVE-2008-0857 in Burning Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in WoltLab Burning Board 3.0.3 PL 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sortOrder parameter to the PMList page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0857 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the WoltLab Burning Board 3.0.3 PL 1 forum software. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and affects the PMList page functionality where the sortOrder parameter is improperly validated and sanitized. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql code through the web interface without requiring authentication or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous for forum administrators and users alike. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the sortOrder parameter in the PMList page URL to inject malicious sql payloads. This type of injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector operates through the standard http request processing chain where user input flows directly into sql query construction without proper sanitization. When the application processes the malformed sortOrder parameter, it concatenates the attacker-controlled data directly into the sql statement, allowing execution of arbitrary database operations. This includes data extraction, modification, deletion, or even command execution depending on the database backend and permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, private messages, forum content, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The implications are severe for forum administrators as they may lose control over their user data and system integrity. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the forum system, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and reputational damage for organizations relying on this platform. Additionally, the vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping mechanisms or implementing prepared statements with parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should also implement input validation routines that reject or sanitize potentially dangerous characters and patterns before processing user data. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure the forum software remains protected against known vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for proper network segmentation and access controls. Security teams should also conduct regular penetration testing and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection threats.