CVE-2008-5863 in Userlocator
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in locator.php in the Userlocator module 3.0 for Woltlab Burning Board (wBB) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the y parameter in a get_user action.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The CVE-2008-5863 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the userlocator module version 3.0 of the woltlab burning board forum software. This vulnerability specifically targets the locator.php script which processes user location data through the get_user action. The flaw occurs when the y parameter is passed through user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the underlying database query execution process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection patterns where attacker-controlled input directly influences the sql query structure. When the y parameter is processed in the get_user action, it bypasses normal input validation mechanisms and gets directly incorporated into database queries. This allows remote attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow and potentially execute unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability resides in the module's failure to implement proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution practices that are fundamental to preventing sql injection attacks.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to wbb installations using the affected userlocator module. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user data, potentially compromising user privacy and system integrity. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers might escalate privileges, modify user accounts, or even gain administrative control over the forum system. The vulnerability affects any installation running wbb with the userlocator module version 3.0, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the forum system and where user location data is actively utilized.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators must apply the vendor-provided patches or upgrade to versions that address this specific sql injection vulnerability. The fix typically involves implementing proper input sanitization routines that validate and escape special sql characters within the y parameter before processing. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting similar parameters. This vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations CWE-89 and CWE-20, representing both sql injection and input validation flaws. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the initial access and privilege escalation phases of the attack lifecycle, potentially enabling further lateral movement within compromised systems. The incident underscores the importance of regular security assessments and proper input validation practices in web application development to prevent such critical vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.