CVE-2010-4151 in DeluxeBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in misc.php in DeluxeBB 1.3, and possibly earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the xthedateformat parameter in a register action, a different vector than CVE-2005-2989, CVE-2006-2503, and CVE-2009-1033.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4151 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the DeluxeBB 1.3 bulletin board system, specifically targeting the misc.php script. This vulnerability emerges when the php configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The attack vector focuses on the xthedateformat parameter within the register action, distinguishing it from previously identified vulnerabilities such as CVE-2005-2989, CVE-2006-2503, and CVE-2009-1033 which utilized different attack surfaces within the same software ecosystem. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental security weakness in application code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the xthedateformat parameter during user registration processes, where the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the php application cannot automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application code vulnerable to malicious input that can alter the intended sql command structure. Attackers can craft specific payloads that inject additional sql commands into the query execution flow, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying or deleting records, or even executing system commands depending on the database backend and application privileges. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user registration and authentication processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4151 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete system compromise through database manipulation and potential privilege escalation. Successful exploitation allows attackers to extract sensitive user information including passwords stored in the database, modify forum content, create new administrative accounts, or even gain shell access to the underlying server if database privileges permit such operations. The vulnerability affects not only the integrity and confidentiality of forum data but also potentially compromises the entire hosting environment if the database user has elevated permissions. Organizations running DeluxeBB 1.3 without proper input validation measures face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential legal consequences due to inadequate security controls. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of remote services, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4151 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the application code. The most effective remediation involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql command structure from user data, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before database insertion. Organizations should also consider disabling magic_quotes_gpc in php configurations and implementing proper input validation routines that reject or escape special sql characters. Additionally, the application should be upgraded to a supported version of DeluxeBB that addresses this vulnerability, as version 1.3 is no longer maintained and likely contains additional unpatched security flaws. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection attacks that can compromise entire database systems.