CVE-2009-1947 in NewsBoard
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the UnbDbEncode function in unb_lib/database.lib.php in Unclassified NewsBoard (UNB) 1.6.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Query parameter in a search action to forum.php, a different vector than CVE-2005-3686.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1947 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Unclassified NewsBoard (UNB) 1.6.4 web application. This vulnerability specifically targets the UnbDbEncode function located in the unb_lib/database.lib.php file, which serves as a critical component for database interaction within the forum system. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or complete system compromise. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2005-3686, this particular vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector involving the Query parameter within search functionality of the forum.php script, making it a unique threat within the UNB 1.6.4 codebase.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input from the Query parameter in search actions to forum.php is not properly sanitized or encoded before being processed by the UnbDbEncode function. This function, designed to handle database operations, fails to adequately escape or validate incoming data, allowing malicious SQL commands to be injected directly into the database query execution chain. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling, which are classic indicators of CWE-89 SQL Injection weaknesses. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining access to sensitive user information, modifying forum content, or even escalating privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1947 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database manipulation and potentially achieve full system compromise. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to extract confidential user data including usernames, passwords, and personal information stored in the forum database. The vulnerability's location within the core database library means that successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to modify or delete forum content, create new administrative accounts, or even gain access to other systems if database users have elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1213.002 for Data from Databases, as it enables both data exfiltration and database manipulation through unauthorized access paths.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1947 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper escaping mechanisms within the UnbDbEncode function to ensure all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before database processing. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from data, effectively preventing malicious input from being interpreted as executable SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input filtering mechanisms within the forum.php search functionality would significantly reduce the attack surface. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to newer versions of UNB that address this vulnerability, as the original 1.6.4 version contains multiple known security flaws. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts, though these should complement rather than replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database interaction practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in CWE-116 for proper encoding and CWE-77 for command injection prevention techniques.