Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in read.php3 and other scripts in Phorum 3.0.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries via the sSQL parameter.
Phorum 3.0.7 suffers from a critical SQL injection vulnerability, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the sSQL parameter. This flaw enables remote code execution, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected server and leading to data breaches and system compromise.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious SQL query and encodes it, if necessary, to bypass any rudimentary filtering. This query is designed to perform a specific action, such as dumping database contents or executing a system command.
Step 2: Request Construction: The attacker constructs an HTTP GET or POST request targeting read.php3 or another vulnerable script in Phorum 3.0.7. The malicious SQL query is inserted into the sSQL parameter of the request.
Step 3: Server-Side Processing: The vulnerable script receives the request and extracts the value of the sSQL parameter. This value, the attacker's malicious SQL query, is then directly incorporated into a database query without proper sanitization.
Step 4: Query Execution: The database server executes the attacker's injected SQL query. The query performs the attacker's intended action, such as retrieving sensitive data or modifying the database.
Step 5: Data Exfiltration/System Compromise: The results of the malicious query, such as stolen data or the execution of a system command, are returned to the attacker or used to further compromise the system.
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization within the read.php3 script and potentially other scripts in Phorum 3.0.7. The sSQL parameter, intended to specify SQL queries, is directly incorporated into database queries without any filtering or escaping of special characters. This allows an attacker to craft malicious SQL statements, such as those that modify data, extract sensitive information, or execute arbitrary commands on the database server. The root cause is the absence of parameterized queries or prepared statements, which would have prevented the injection of malicious code. The script directly concatenates user-supplied input with the SQL query, creating a vulnerability to SQL injection attacks. This lack of secure coding practices allows attackers to manipulate the database's behavior.
Due to the age of the vulnerability, it's unlikely to be directly linked to specific APT groups. However, any attacker with basic skills could exploit this. The ease of exploitation makes it a target for opportunistic attacks. CISA KEV status: Not Listed due to the age of the vulnerability.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) can be configured to detect SQL injection attempts by monitoring for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests, such as the use of SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE, UNION) in the sSQL parameter.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be deployed to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. WAFs can be configured with rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts.
Review web server logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual HTTP requests targeting read.php3 or other scripts, especially those containing SQL keywords in the sSQL parameter.
Database activity monitoring can be used to track SQL queries and identify unusual or unauthorized database activity.
File integrity monitoring can be used to detect changes to critical files, such as the vulnerable PHP scripts.
Upgrade to a patched version of Phorum or a completely different forum software. This is the most effective solution.
Implement input validation and sanitization: Ensure that all user-supplied input, including the sSQL parameter, is properly validated and sanitized before being used in SQL queries. This includes escaping special characters, using parameterized queries, and whitelisting allowed input.
Use parameterized queries or prepared statements: These techniques separate the SQL code from the user-supplied input, preventing SQL injection vulnerabilities.
Apply the principle of least privilege: Ensure that the database user account used by Phorum has only the necessary permissions to perform its tasks. This limits the potential damage if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability.
Regularly update and patch all software: Keep all software, including the operating system, web server, and database server, up to date with the latest security patches.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help to detect and block SQL injection attempts.