CVE-2009-0768 in YapBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in forumhop.php in YapBB 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the forumID parameter in a next action.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0768 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the YapBB 1.2 forum software and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the forumhop.php script which handles navigation between different forum sections within the bulletin board system. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly the forumID parameter that is processed during the next action operation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization, thereby enabling unauthorized execution of arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities in software applications. The flaw occurs when user input flows directly into sql command construction without adequate sanitization or parameter binding mechanisms. In the context of YapBB, when a user navigates through forums using the next action functionality, the forumID parameter is not properly validated or escaped before being used in database queries. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow and potentially gain complete control over the database contents, including the ability to extract sensitive information, modify data, or even execute system commands depending on the database configuration and privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it provides attackers with extensive access to the forum's backend infrastructure. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations such as retrieving user credentials, modifying forum content, deleting critical data, or establishing persistent access through database-level backdoors. The vulnerability affects all versions of YapBB up to and including version 1.2, indicating a long-standing security issue that was not properly addressed in the software development lifecycle. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in applications to gain access to systems, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation through sql injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through software updates and code modifications. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as sql commands. Developers should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized and validated before processing, with specific attention to the forumID parameter in forumhop.php. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls, including least privilege principles, can limit the damage if exploitation occurs. Organizations using affected versions of YapBB should urgently upgrade to patched versions or implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and input validation practices in software development, particularly for applications handling user-generated content and database interactions.