CVE-2008-2067 in miniBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bb_admin.php in miniBB 2.2a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the whatus parameter in a searchusers2 action. NOTE: it was later reported that other versions before 3.0.1 are also vulnerable.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2067 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the miniBB 2.2a bulletin board software that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the bb_admin.php file and occurs during the searchusers2 action when processing the whatus parameter, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The issue demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding practices that violates core security principles established in industry standards such as CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability affects not only version 2.2a but also numerous earlier versions up to 3.0.1, indicating a widespread flaw that persisted across multiple releases of the software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the whatus parameter in the searchusers2 action, bypassing proper sanitization mechanisms that should validate and escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code that executes within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information stored within the application's database. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over remote network connections without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can interact with the vulnerable web application. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-89 aligns with the standard definition of SQL injection where untrusted data flows directly into database commands without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass complete system compromise when attackers leverage the SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to underlying database systems. Attackers can potentially extract user credentials, forum data, configuration information, and other sensitive materials stored within the database. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests poor security practices in the software development lifecycle, particularly in the areas of code review and input validation testing. Organizations running affected versions of miniBB face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations under standards such as pci dss and gdpr that mandate protection of sensitive data. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers exploit weaknesses in web application interfaces to gain deeper system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to version 3.0.1 or later, where the SQL injection flaws have been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate all user-supplied data against expected formats and ranges, while also employing proper output encoding to prevent malicious code execution. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in web applications. Additionally, organizations should implement proper application security testing including dynamic and static analysis to identify injection vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments.