CVE-2008-3416 in IceBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules/members.php in IceBB before 1.0-rc9.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter in a members action to index.php, related to an incorrect protection mechanism in the clean_string function in includes/functions.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3416 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the IceBB bulletin board software version 1.0-rc9.2 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the modules/members.php file and specifically targets the username parameter handling during members actions processed through index.php. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly protect against malicious SQL command injection attempts. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted username inputs that bypass the intended protection measures, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the bulletin board's data, potentially allowing unauthorized users to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector operates through the web interface of the bulletin board, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the clean_string function located within includes/functions.php. This function was designed to sanitize user inputs and prevent malicious code execution, yet it fails to adequately handle special SQL characters and escape sequences that would normally neutralize harmful SQL commands. When users submit usernames through the members action interface, the application processes these inputs through the clean_string function, which incorrectly processes certain characters that should trigger SQL command execution. The function's protection mechanism is insufficiently robust, allowing attackers to inject SQL syntax elements such as single quotes, semicolons, or comment markers that alter the intended query structure. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account used by the bulletin board application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core functionality of the bulletin board system, specifically user management operations that are frequently accessed and critical to system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3416 extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it creates a persistent security risk for organizations using vulnerable IceBB installations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to user databases, potentially compromising thousands of user accounts and their associated credentials. The vulnerability can be leveraged to extract sensitive information including user passwords, personal details, and private communications stored within the bulletin board's database. Additionally, attackers can modify or delete database records, effectively corrupting the bulletin board's content and user management systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning as bulletin board systems often contain sensitive user information and may serve as entry points for further attacks against larger network infrastructures. Organizations running vulnerable versions of IceBB face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to inadequate security controls. The vulnerability also enables attackers to establish persistent access through database-level commands that could create backdoors or maintain control over the affected system long after the initial exploitation attempt.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3416 must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to IceBB version 1.0-rc9.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the flawed clean_string function implementation. System administrators should also implement proper input validation techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and comprehensive sanitization routines that properly escape all special SQL characters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring and filtering suspicious SQL injection patterns in real-time traffic. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or unauthorized query executions that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The implementation of proper access controls and database privilege management can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if attackers gain access, their capabilities remain restricted to prevent full system compromise. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation mechanisms as recommended by industry security frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.