CVE-2009-0851 in CelerBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in CelerBB 0.0.2, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) viewforum.php and (2) viewtopic.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0851 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting CelerBB version 0.0.2, a web-based bulletin board system. This vulnerability manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands into the application's database layer. The flaw specifically targets two key files within the application's architecture: viewforum.php and viewtopic.php, which handle forum and topic display functionalities respectively. These files process user input through the id parameter without proper sanitization or input validation, making them prime targets for SQL injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application's database layer vulnerable to malicious input manipulation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted id parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable scripts, alter the intended SQL query structure. This allows adversaries to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying or deleting information, or even escalating privileges within the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0851 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities that can compromise the entire application infrastructure. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, user credential theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable application resides. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in application input validation and database query construction.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, while also mapping to T1071 for application layer protocols and T1046 for network service discovery. Organizations running CelerBB 0.0.2 should prioritize patching or upgrading to versions that properly handle user input validation, and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper database query construction practices and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings for security protection rather than implementing robust application-level defenses.