CVE-2014-2339 in GNUboard
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in bbs/ajax.autosave.php in GNUboard 5.x and possibly earlier allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) subject or (2) content parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2339 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the GNUboard 5.x bulletin board system, affecting potentially earlier versions as well. This vulnerability resides in the bbs/ajax.autosave.php script which handles automated saving functionality for forum posts. The flaw manifests when authenticated users exploit improper input validation mechanisms, enabling them to inject malicious SQL commands through specific parameters within the application's interface.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary attack vectors: the subject parameter and the content parameter. Both parameters are susceptible to SQL injection attacks because the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into database queries. When an authenticated user submits data containing malicious SQL payloads through these fields, the application processes the input without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to manipulate the underlying database structure. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system. This capability enables attackers to perform data manipulation, unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potentially full system compromise. Since the vulnerability requires authentication, it may be exploited by compromised accounts or insiders with legitimate access to the forum system. The implications include unauthorized modification of forum content, deletion of user accounts, data exfiltration, and potential backdoor establishment within the compromised environment.
Organizations using GNUboard 5.x systems should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-provided data, particularly in the affected parameters. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, alongside input filtering mechanisms that remove or escape potentially dangerous characters. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of authenticated users who can access the vulnerable functionality. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploitation of remote services through application vulnerabilities. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to address similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems, as this represents a common weakness in older web application frameworks that lack modern security controls.