CVE-2011-5137 in tForum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in tForum b0.915 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) TopicID parameter to viewtopic.php, the (2) BoardID parameter to viewboard.php, or (3) CatID parameter to viewcat.php.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5137 represents a critical security flaw in the tForum b0.915 web application that exposes multiple pathways for remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability affects three distinct parameters within the forum's core functionality, specifically targeting the TopicID parameter in viewtopic.php, the BoardID parameter in viewboard.php, and the CatID parameter in viewcat.php. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent flaw occurring when application code incorporates untrusted data into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector leverages the fact that these three parameters are directly used in SQL query construction without adequate protection measures, enabling malicious actors to inject crafted SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the database. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the data access components that handle user requests for forum content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any prior authentication or privileged access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5137 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands that may result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, modification of forum content, or even privilege escalation within the application environment. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive user information including passwords, personal details, and private messages stored within the forum's database. The vulnerability also provides a potential foothold for further attacks, as database access often grants attackers the ability to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network infrastructure hosting the vulnerable application. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on forum software for community engagement or internal communication platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user input, effectively preventing malicious input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, including character escaping and whitelist validation for all parameters, would significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while maintaining regular security audits and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application architecture. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected software version and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain access to systems.