CVE-2009-1033 in DeluxeBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in misc.php in DeluxeBB 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the qorder parameter, a different vector than CVE-2005-2989 and CVE-2006-2503.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1033 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the DeluxeBB 1.3 forum software and earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the misc.php script and specifically targets the qorder parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially allowing full compromise of the underlying database system and all associated data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter sanitization within the application's input handling mechanisms. When the qorder parameter is submitted to the misc.php script, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This omission creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the vulnerable parameter. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected forum.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing DeluxeBB 1.3 or earlier versions. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative details stored within the database. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary SQL command execution, meaning attackers could potentially modify, delete, or manipulate database contents, escalate privileges, or even gain shell access to the underlying server. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject backdoors, modify forum functionality, or use the compromised system as a staging area for further attacks within the network. The fact that this vulnerability exists in the misc.php script suggests it may be related to forum operations such as query ordering or sorting functionality, which makes it a legitimate feature that should have been secured against injection attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through upgrading to a patched version of DeluxeBB or implementing proper input validation measures. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers the exploitation of remote services, and T1071.005 which addresses application layer protocol usage for command and control communications.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for web applications. The persistence of SQL injection vulnerabilities in forum software demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle. Organizations should implement automated security scanning tools and maintain up-to-date security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk underscores the critical nature of addressing such flaws promptly, as they provide attackers with extensive capabilities to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.