CVE-2008-3718 in cyberBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in cyberBB 0.6 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id parameter to show_topic.php and the (2) user parameter to profile.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3718 represents a critical security flaw in the cyberBB 0.6 bulletin board software that exposes the application to remote authenticated SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the software's core components. The first vector targets the id parameter in show_topic.php while the second targets the user parameter in profile.php, both of which fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries. This weakness fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application's database communication layer and creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The flaw occurs when user input flows directly into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands. When authenticated users submit specially crafted input through the vulnerable parameters, the application processes these inputs without proper validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. An attacker with valid credentials can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information from database tables, modify user accounts, or even gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers do not require administrative privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any legitimate user with access to the system. This scenario creates a significant risk for organizations relying on cyberBB 0.6 for their bulletin board functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3718 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input validation mechanisms throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements with parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and regularly audit database permissions to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, with the specific patch for cyberBB 0.6 being prioritized to resolve this SQL injection vulnerability. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be established to detect and respond to potential attacks targeting these vulnerabilities.