Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in bb_memberlist.php for phpBB 1.4.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries via the $sortby variable.
phpBB 1.4.2 is vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the bb_memberlist.php script. This vulnerability enables remote code execution and complete database compromise, potentially leading to data breaches and system takeover.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a specially crafted value for the $sortby parameter in the bb_memberlist.php script. This value includes SQL code designed to manipulate the database query.
Step 2: Request Submission: The attacker sends the malicious URL to the vulnerable phpBB forum.
Step 3: Query Execution: The bb_memberlist.php script receives the request and incorporates the attacker-supplied $sortby value directly into an SQL query without proper sanitization.
Step 4: SQL Injection: The database server executes the injected SQL code, which can perform actions such as retrieving sensitive data (usernames, passwords), modifying database contents, or even executing commands on the server if the database user has sufficient privileges.
Step 5: Data Exfiltration/System Compromise: The attacker leverages the injected SQL code to achieve their objectives, which could include data theft, account takeover, or complete server control.
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization of the $sortby variable within the bb_memberlist.php script. The script directly incorporates user-supplied input into SQL queries without escaping special characters or validating the input's format. This allows an attacker to craft malicious SQL statements that are then executed by the database server. The root cause is a failure to implement parameterized queries or prepared statements, which would have prevented the injection of arbitrary SQL code. The script trusts the user-provided input, leading to a blind SQL injection scenario where the attacker can infer information about the database structure and content through error messages or observed behavior.
Due to the age of the vulnerability, it's unlikely to be actively targeted by sophisticated APTs. However, it could be exploited by opportunistic attackers or used as part of a broader attack chain. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV list due to its age and the fact that phpBB 1.4.2 is long EOL.
Web server logs: Examine access logs for unusual URL patterns containing SQL injection payloads (e.g., single quotes, semicolons, SQL keywords).
Database logs: Monitor database logs for suspicious queries that deviate from expected patterns, especially those involving the bb_memberlist.php script.
Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Deploy rules to detect SQL injection attempts, focusing on the $sortby parameter in requests to bb_memberlist.php.
File Integrity Monitoring (FIM): Monitor the bb_memberlist.php file for unauthorized modifications.
Upgrade to a patched version of phpBB (phpBB 1.4.2 is extremely outdated).
Implement input validation and sanitization: Ensure that all user-supplied input is validated and sanitized before being used in SQL queries. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
Apply the principle of least privilege: Restrict the database user's privileges to the minimum necessary for the application to function.
Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to filter malicious traffic and block SQL injection attempts.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.