CVE-2008-6256 in vBulletin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admincp/admincalendar.php in vBulletin 3.7.3.pl1 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the holidayinfo[recurring] parameter, a different vector than CVE-2005-3022.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6256 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the vBulletin 3.7.3.pl1 forum software, specifically targeting the administrative control panel component. This weakness resides in the admincp/admincalendar.php file where the holidayinfo[recurring] parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation by authenticated administrators. The vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector compared to the previously known CVE-2005-3022, indicating a separate code path that was not adequately protected against sql injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and parameter handling within the administrative calendar management functionality. When an authenticated administrator accesses the calendar administration interface and manipulates the holidayinfo[recurring] parameter, the application fails to employ proper sql escaping or parameterized queries. This allows an attacker with administrative privileges to inject malicious sql commands directly into the database query execution flow, bypassing normal security controls that would typically prevent such unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. This capability allows attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, create new administrative accounts, or potentially escalate their privileges further within the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface, meaning that successful exploitation requires prior authentication, but once achieved, the attacker can perform database operations that would normally be restricted to legitimate administrators. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on vBulletin forums, as compromised administrative credentials could lead to complete database compromise.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as a critical weakness in software applications. The attack pattern follows typical sql injection methodologies where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-supplied patch for vBulletin 3.7.3.pl1, implementing proper input validation for all administrative parameters, and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious database activities. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as using parameterized queries and input sanitization, which are fundamental requirements of the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. The incident also highlights the necessity of maintaining current security patches and implementing proper access controls, as the vulnerability requires administrative privileges to exploit but provides extensive database access once successful.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation, as it represents a failure in the security architecture of the forum software. This weakness could potentially serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly if the database contains sensitive user information or if the administrative account has elevated privileges within the system. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their vBulletin installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other administrative components and ensure that all input parameters are properly validated and sanitized to prevent similar sql injection vectors from being exploited in the future.