CVE-2008-2023 in MegaBBS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PD9 Software MegaBBS 2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) invisible and (2) timeoffset parameters to profile/controlpanel.asp and the (3) attachmentid parameter to forums/attach-file.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2023 represents a critical security flaw in PD9 Software MegaBBS 2.2, a web-based bulletin board system that was widely used for online community forums. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection flaws that collectively expose the application to remote code execution attacks, potentially allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. The affected software components include the profile/controlpanel.asp and forums/attach-file.asp pages, which process user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's database interaction layers. Attackers can exploit three distinct parameter injection points to manipulate the underlying database queries. The invisible parameter in profile/controlpanel.asp, the timeoffset parameter in the same file, and the attachmentid parameter in forums/attach-file.asp all accept user-supplied data that flows directly into SQL command construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that can bypass authentication mechanisms, extract confidential information, modify database contents, or even execute operating system commands on the server hosting the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive control over the affected system. Remote exploitation allows malicious actors to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion of user accounts, forum posts, and system configurations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a technique that enables initial access through exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services, while T1071.005 covers the use of application layer protocols for data exfiltration. The exposure of user credentials and personal information through database manipulation poses significant privacy and compliance risks, particularly in environments where the forum hosts sensitive or regulated data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The most effective remediation involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to parameterized queries or stored procedures that separate user input from SQL command structure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for database connections can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block common SQL injection patterns, while regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review to ensure all input parameters are properly validated and sanitized, addressing the root cause rather than merely implementing temporary workarounds that may leave other similar vulnerabilities unaddressed.