CVE-2008-4431 in IceBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in IceBB 1.0-rc9.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the skin parameter, probably related to an incorrect protection mechanism in the clean_string function in includes/functions.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4431 represents a critical sql injection flaw in IceBB version 10rc93 and earlier, specifically affecting the indexphp file where the skin parameter is processed without adequate input validation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within the clean_string function located in includesfunctionsphp, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices that directly violate established security principles for preventing sql injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the skin parameter in the indexphp script, which then flows into database operations without proper escaping or sanitization. The clean_string function, intended to protect against such attacks, fails to adequately handle special sql characters and escape sequences, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 sql injection and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 exploitation for execution through sql injection, where adversaries leverage database access points to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. Database administrators and security teams face significant risk when such vulnerabilities exist in production systems, particularly given that IceBB was a widely used bulletin board system that likely processed user-generated content through vulnerable input channels. The remote nature of this attack vector means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected IceBB versions to address the flawed clean_string function implementation, ensuring proper sql escaping mechanisms are employed throughout the application. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization and database-level query parameterization, to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The remediation process must include thorough code review of all input handling functions and implementation of proper prepared statements or parameterized queries to eliminate the possibility of sql injection. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened to limit potential damage from successful attacks.