CVE-2009-2230 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/datahandlers/user.php in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) before 1.4.7 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the birthdayprivacy parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2230 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MyBB forum software ecosystem, specifically targeting the user data handler component. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.4.7 and demonstrates a classic insecure data handling pattern that has been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature as a primary attack vector for database compromise. The issue manifests within the inc/datahandlers/user.php file, which serves as a critical data processing module responsible for handling user-related information within the bulletin board system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the birthdayprivacy parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. When authenticated users submit data through this parameter, the system fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This design flaw creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can manipulate the intended SQL query execution path, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database operations including data retrieval, modification, and deletion. An attacker leveraging this vulnerability could potentially extract sensitive user information, modify user accounts, escalate privileges, or even compromise the entire database infrastructure. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first obtain legitimate user credentials, but once achieved, they can execute commands with the privileges associated with that user account. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would typically need to identify the vulnerable parameter before executing their payload.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the MyBB codebase. Security patches released for version 1.4.7 and subsequent releases address this issue through comprehensive input sanitization routines and proper SQL query preparation methods. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including automated vulnerability scanning and manual code review processes to identify similar patterns within their software ecosystems. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding practices must be integrated into the development lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of input validation, output encoding, and proper database access control mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while regular security updates and patch management processes remain essential for maintaining system integrity against evolving threats.