CVE-2008-2778 in RevokeBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/class_search.php in the Search System in RevokeBB 1.0 RC11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2778 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Search System component of RevokeBB version 1.0 RC11. This vulnerability exists in the inc/class_search.php file where user input is improperly handled during search operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code through the search parameter, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a classic sql injection attack vector where the application directly concatenates user-provided search terms into sql statements without proper parameterization or input sanitization. The search parameter in the url or form data is processed by the vulnerable class_search.php script, which then constructs sql queries using string concatenation rather than prepared statements or proper parameter binding. This design flaw creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious sql syntax that alters the intended query behavior. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities in software applications where user input is not properly sanitized or parameterized before being used in database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal information, forum content, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the entire forum system. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the server or network infrastructure. This vulnerability also poses significant risk to data integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially modify or delete database records, disrupt service availability, or establish persistent backdoors through database access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (exploitation of remote services) and T1071.004 (application layer protocol: dns) when attackers use the compromised system for further reconnaissance or command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2778 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable RevokeBB version to the latest stable release that addresses the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and input escaping techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for sql injection patterns in network traffic. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple security controls to protect against sql injection attacks. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of database activities to detect unauthorized access patterns.