CVE-2016-9402 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the moderation tool in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) before 1.8.7 and MyBB Merge System before 1.8.7 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2020
The CVE-2016-9402 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the moderation tool of MyBB forum software and its associated merge system. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.8.7 and creates a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw resides in how the moderation tool processes user input, specifically when handling data from administrative functions that manage forum content and user interactions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative interface of the forum software, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious sql queries against the underlying database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the moderation components of MyBB. When administrators or users interact with moderation tools that process external data, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize sql query inputs. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal security controls and are subsequently executed by the database engine. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the moderation tool could be exploited, potentially including various administrative functions such as user management, post moderation, and content filtering operations. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness that enables unauthorized data access and manipulation. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these tools are typically accessible to forum administrators, making the impact potentially severe when combined with the elevated privileges these users possess.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9402 extends beyond simple data theft or modification to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Remote attackers could exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, private messages, forum configurations, and other confidential data stored within the database. The ability to execute arbitrary sql commands also allows attackers to modify forum content, delete posts, ban users, or even escalate privileges within the system. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers can manipulate database queries to gain deeper system access while potentially hiding their activities. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where forum administrators might have extensive access rights, creating opportunities for attackers to gain persistent access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9402 center on immediate software updates and implementation of proper input validation measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to MyBB version 1.8.7 or later, which includes patches addressing the sql injection vulnerabilities in the moderation tools. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that escape special characters and utilize parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that administrative accounts have minimal required privileges and that proper audit logging is enabled to detect suspicious activities. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Security monitoring should focus on unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts to the moderation tools, as these activities often precede successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in other forum software components that may be susceptible to similar attack vectors.