CVE-2009-1259 in AdaptBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/bb/topic.php in Insane Visions AdaptBB 1.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the topic_id parameter in a topic action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1259 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Insane Visions AdaptBB 1.0 bulletin board system. This vulnerability specifically targets the inc/bb/topic.php file and exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, removing a crucial built-in protection mechanism that would otherwise sanitize incoming data. The attack vector involves manipulating the topic_id parameter through the topic action in the index.php script, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the application's database interaction code. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to adequately filter or escape special characters that could alter the intended SQL query structure. This creates an exploitable condition where attackers can craft malicious SQL payloads that get executed with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the topic management functionality, making it particularly relevant for forum administrators and users who interact with topic creation, modification, or deletion features. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a primary weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption. Attackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information including usernames, passwords, and private messages stored within the forum database. The remote execution capability means that adversaries do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit this vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to modify forum content, inject malicious code into the application, or even escalate privileges to gain broader system access. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on older forum software versions where security updates may not have been applied, creating a persistent threat vector that remains exploitable for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected software version, as the developers have likely released security updates addressing this specific flaw. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement robust input validation and parameterized queries as alternative defenses. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring capabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in legacy applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database injection technique under the command and control phase, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that include both application-level protections and network-based monitoring solutions. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for database accounts and regular security training for administrators to prevent exploitation through social engineering or other attack vectors.