CVE-2012-5909 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/modules/user/users.php in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) 1.6.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the conditions[usergroup][] parameter in a search action to admin/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5909 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the MyBulletinBoard forum software version 1.6.6. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative module responsible for user management and search functionality. The flaw exists in the admin/modules/user/users.php file where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into sql query structures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the conditions[usergroup][] parameter through a search action directed at admin/index.php, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the administrative interface. When administrators perform user searches using the group membership criteria, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the user-supplied group identifiers before executing sql commands. This creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql code that executes with the privileges of the web application's database user. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute arbitrary sql commands that may include data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The administrative context of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over user accounts, forum configuration settings, and potentially access to sensitive system information. This represents a severe privilege escalation risk since the administrative interface typically operates with elevated database permissions. The vulnerability also enables attackers to manipulate the forum's user base, potentially creating new administrator accounts or modifying existing ones to maintain persistent access.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the attack technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation. The exploitation pattern aligns with typical sql injection attack vectors where attackers craft malicious input to manipulate application behavior. Organizations running MyBB 1.6.6 should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by the MyBB development team. Mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation, using parameterized queries, and restricting administrative access through network segmentation. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the affected administrative endpoints. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and input validation practices as outlined in industry standards such as the owasp top ten project which consistently ranks sql injection among the most critical web application security risks.