CVE-2009-3974 in IP.Board
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Invision Power Board (IPB or IP.Board) 3.0.0, 3.0.1, and 3.0.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) search_term parameter to admin/applications/core/modules_public/search/search.php and (2) aid parameter to admin/applications/core/modules_public/global/lostpass.php. NOTE: on 20090818, the vendor patched 3.0.2 without changing the version number.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3974 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Invision Power Board versions 3.0.0 through 3.0.2, which falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 SQL Injection. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within two distinct modules of the IPB application, specifically the search functionality and lost password recovery system. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted malicious inputs, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors within the application's codebase. The first vector involves the search_term parameter in the admin/applications/core/modules_public/search/search.php file, where user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The second vector targets the aid parameter in admin/applications/core/modules_public/global/lostpass.php, which similarly fails to validate or escape user-supplied data before database interrogation. Both paths demonstrate poor input handling practices that violate fundamental security principles for database interaction and represent classic examples of insecure direct object reference patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. This privilege escalation allows for complete database enumeration, data modification, deletion, and potentially unauthorized account creation or privilege elevation. Given that IPB is a widely used forum platform, successful exploitation could compromise thousands of user accounts, their personal information, and potentially serve as a foothold for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of why parameterized queries and input validation must be implemented at every layer of application development. The patching methodology employed by the vendor, which involved releasing a fix without incrementing the version number, demonstrates the urgency required in addressing such critical flaws. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including input validation filters, web application firewalls, and comprehensive database access controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and proper code review processes that can identify and prevent such insecure coding practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers would likely use these entry points to establish persistent access and exfiltrate data from compromised systems.