CVE-2011-4066 in Gnuboard
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bbs/tb.php in Gnuboard 4.33.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4066 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Gnuboard content management system version 4.33.02 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the bbs/tb.php component and exploits a weakness in how the application processes input parameters through the PATH_INFO server variable. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is processed through the PATH_INFO parameter, which is commonly used in URL rewriting and clean URL implementations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that gets directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The PATH_INFO parameter, which contains additional path information following the script name in the URL, is processed by the vulnerable application without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can manipulate the SQL execution context, leading to unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly included in SQL command construction without proper validation or escaping.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4066 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify or delete database records, extract sensitive information including user credentials and personal data, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for further network attacks. The vulnerability affects the entire Gnuboard ecosystem and can result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate risk. The primary mitigation involves patching the Gnuboard application to version 4.33.03 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization at the application level, using parameterized queries or prepared statements, and employing web application firewalls can provide additional protection. Network-level defenses should include monitoring for suspicious PATH_INFO patterns and implementing proper access controls to limit database access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for applications handling user-supplied data through URL parameters, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and the principle of least privilege in database access controls.