CVE-2008-6301 in Small ShoutBox
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in shoutbox_view.php in the Small ShoutBox module 1.4 for phpBB allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a delete action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6301 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Small ShoutBox module version 1.4 for phpBB platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the shoutbox_view.php script and manifests when processing delete actions through the id parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the module's codebase, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the sql query execution flow through crafted input values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns for sql injection attacks, where the id parameter in the delete action functionality fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates a direct attack surface where an attacker can inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal authorization checks and execute arbitrary database operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the affected phpBB forum. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps directly to cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the software security domain. The attack vector aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution phase, specifically targeting the command and control capabilities through database manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the ability to completely compromise the affected forum's database infrastructure. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, data corruption, user account compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network if the database server hosts other sensitive systems. The vulnerability affects phpBB installations running the specific Small ShoutBox module version 1.4, making it particularly relevant to legacy systems that may not have received security updates or patches. Organizations running these vulnerable systems face significant risk of data breaches, as the sql injection allows for complete database manipulation including the potential to escalate privileges, modify user permissions, or extract sensitive information from the forum's database structure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6301 require immediate attention through multiple layers of security controls. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to the Small ShoutBox module to version 1.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and sql query parameterization. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection vulnerabilities in similar applications. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize the impact of successful sql injection attempts, while input validation should be implemented at multiple points in the application architecture. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for sql injection attack patterns, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other forum modules or custom applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection attacks that remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats.