CVE-2008-6314 in Tag Board
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in tag_board.php in the Tag Board module 4.0 and earlier 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 • 11/16/2024
The CVE-2008-6314 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the tag board module version 4.0 and earlier of the phpBB forum software platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the tag_board.php script which handles deletion operations within the tag board functionality. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly when processing the id parameter during delete actions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql commands within the id parameter, which then get executed against the underlying database without proper authorization or filtering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into sql query strings. When a user performs a delete operation through the tag board interface, the application accepts the id parameter directly from the http request and incorporates it into a sql statement without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject sql payload characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or sql comment markers that alter the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web interface interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the database user account used by the phpBB application. This could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, unauthorized user account creation, or even system command execution if the database user has sufficient privileges. The vulnerability affects all versions of the tag board module up to and including version 4.0, representing a significant security risk for phpBB installations that utilize this specific module. Organizations with compromised systems may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access or modification.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected tag board module to version 4.1 or later where the sql injection flaw has been addressed. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in future development. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database user accounts have minimal required permissions, particularly limiting execute capabilities. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns. Security monitoring should include log analysis for unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection vulnerabilities within their phpBB installations and related applications, following established frameworks such as those defined in the cwe dictionary under cwe-89 for sql injection weaknesses. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with the att&ck technique t1071.004 for application layer protocol and t1213.002 for data from information repositories, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of exploitation approaches that security teams must defend against.