CVE-2015-1434 in My Little Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in my little forum before 2.3.4 allow remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) letter parameter in a user action or (2) edit_category parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1434 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within my little forum software version 2.3.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the web application's handling of user input parameters, specifically targeting administrative functions that process database queries. The flaw allows remote attackers with administrative privileges to manipulate the application's database operations through crafted input, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality by enabling unauthorized data access, modification, and deletion through malicious SQL commands executed against the underlying database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter processing logic. The attack vectors specifically target two distinct parameters: the letter parameter used in user actions and the edit_category parameter within the index.php script. Both parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The vulnerability manifests when administrative users interact with the forum's user management or category editing functions, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-provided input before executing database operations. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a common web application vulnerability resulting from improper input handling during database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected database server. An attacker with administrative access can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, forum configuration details, and potentially gain access to other systems within the same database environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the fact that it targets administrative functions amplifies the risk significantly. Database administrators may face unauthorized modifications to forum content, user account manipulation, and potential data corruption or loss. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through database-level backdoors or to escalate privileges within the application's database environment.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be executed through standard web application penetration testing tools. Attackers typically craft malicious payloads that bypass input filters by using encoding techniques or by exploiting the specific parameter handling within the application. The vulnerability's presence in versions prior to 2.3.4 indicates a regression or oversight in the application's security hardening efforts, suggesting that similar flaws may exist in other input handling functions within the software. Organizations using affected versions should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and access controls to limit administrative privileges to trusted users only. The remediation strategy should involve upgrading to version 2.3.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution to prevent SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and comprehensive input validation practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing the critical need for secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle.