CVE-2011-4569 in Forum Userbar Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in userbarsettings.php in the Userbar plugin 2.2 for MyBB Forum allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the image2 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The CVE-2011-4569 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Userbar plugin version 2.2 for MyBB forums, a widely deployed bulletin board system used by thousands of websites for community engagement. This vulnerability specifically targets the userbarsettings.php script which handles user bar configuration settings, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise forum installations. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database through crafted sql commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the image2 parameter within the userbarsettings.php file. When users configure their forum user bars, the system accepts input through this parameter without sufficient sanitization or parameterized query construction. Attackers can inject malicious sql payloads through this vector by manipulating the image2 parameter value, allowing them to execute arbitrary sql commands against the forum's database. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, user credential theft, forum manipulation, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify forum content, inject malicious scripts, or even gain access to sensitive user information including passwords and personal data. The remote nature of this attack means that any user with access to the forum's administrative interface can potentially exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the server. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where forum administrators may not be fully aware of the security implications of third-party plugins.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4569 should include immediate patching of the Userbar plugin to version 2.3 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should implement web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities and establish regular security audits of installed plugins and themes. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for database connections and regular monitoring of database activities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation frameworks and parameterized queries as defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing for third-party components and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in plugin code can lead to catastrophic security breaches in web applications.