CVE-2008-2194 in DeluxeBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in forums.php in DeluxeBB 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sort parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2194 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the DeluxeBB 1.2 bulletin board system and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically affects the forums.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the sort parameter. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent threat where untrusted data is directly embedded into database queries without proper sanitization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the sort parameter in the forums.php script. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in SQL operations, allowing attackers to inject additional SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. This enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially gain complete control over the database backend and access sensitive information stored within the DeluxeBB system.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected DeluxeBB versions as it provides remote attackers with a straightforward path to database compromise. The attack vector requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by virtually any attacker with basic knowledge of SQL injection principles. The vulnerability affects the entire forum functionality and can lead to complete system compromise, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of information stored within the database. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where user input is frequently processed and where database access is critical for application functionality.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of DeluxeBB or apply the appropriate security patches released by the vendor. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional protection layers. Security practices should include regular code reviews focusing on database query construction, enforcement of parameterized queries, and comprehensive testing of user input handling. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks that prevent injection attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database access technique where adversaries leverage injection vulnerabilities to manipulate database operations and achieve unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging of database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation when such vulnerabilities are discovered in production environments.