CVE-2011-1130 in SMF
Summary
by MITRE
Simple Machines Forum (SMF) before 1.1.13, and 2.x before 2.0 RC5, does not properly validate the start parameter, which might allow remote attackers to conduct SQL injection attacks, obtain sensitive information, or cause a denial of service via a crafted value, related to the cleanRequest function in QueryString.php and the constructPageIndex function in Subs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1130 affects Simple Machines Forum versions prior to 1.1.13 and 2.x versions before 2.0 RC5, representing a critical security flaw in the forum software's input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability resides in the core functionality of the SMF platform, specifically within the cleanRequest function located in QueryString.php and the constructPageIndex function found in Subs.php. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter sanitization that creates an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted input values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of the start parameter, which is commonly used in pagination functions within web applications. When users navigate through forum pages, the start parameter determines which set of records should be displayed, making it a critical element in the application's data retrieval process. The cleanRequest function fails to properly sanitize or validate this parameter before it is used in database queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's execution flow. This improper input handling creates a condition where user-supplied data can be interpreted as executable SQL commands rather than simple data parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains and potential attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to perform SQL injection attacks, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information including user credentials, private messages, and forum configurations. The vulnerability also enables denial of service conditions where malformed input could cause database queries to fail or consume excessive system resources, effectively disrupting legitimate user access to the forum. Additionally, the injection capability could allow attackers to extract confidential information from the database, modify forum content, or escalate privileges within the application's user management system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and represents a common entry point for attackers following the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of security patches released by Simple Machines Forum, specifically upgrading to versions 1.1.13 or 2.0 RC5 and later. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers of the application stack, proper parameterized queries in database interactions, and comprehensive monitoring of database access patterns for anomalous activity. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though the primary remediation must focus on the core application patching process. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews of any custom modifications to the forum software, as these changes might introduce similar validation gaps that could compound the vulnerability exposure. The incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust input validation practices across all web application components, particularly those handling user-supplied data in database contexts.