1. Introduction
The WoltLab Burning Board search.php Multiple Parameter SQL Injection vulnerability allows a remote attacker to inject malicious SQL code into the application’s database queries via the ‘boardids’ parameter of the ‘search.php’ script. This could allow an attacker to access sensitive information, including user password hashes. Affected systems are web servers running vulnerable versions of Burning Board or Burning Board Lite. A successful exploit poses a high risk to confidentiality, integrity and availability.
2. Technical Explanation
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker can craft a malicious URL containing SQL injection payloads within the ‘boardids’ parameter. For example, adding a single quote character to the boardids value could disrupt the query and allow further exploitation.
- Scope: Burning Board and Burning Board Lite are affected. Specific versions were not provided in the context.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability requires checking the installed version of Burning Board and testing for SQL injection susceptibility. A quick check is to identify the application’s version through its web interface or file structure.
- Quick checks: Check the ‘About’ section in the Burning Board administration panel, or examine the version information within the application files (e.g., config.php).
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 30495 may detect this vulnerability as an example only.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for unusual database query patterns or errors related to SQL syntax around requests to search.php.
# No specific command provided in context, check application version manually.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Currently there is no known solution available at this time. The following steps outline a general approach for mitigating the risk until a patch becomes available.
4.1 Preparation
- There are no known dependencies or pre-requisites for mitigation, but stopping web services may be necessary during testing. A roll back plan involves restoring from backup.
- Change windows should be planned with appropriate approval from IT management.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Monitor the vendor’s website and security mailing lists for patch releases.
- Step 2: Once a patch is released, download and install it according to the vendor’s instructions.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# No code example provided in context, as no solution is available. The vulnerability lies in unsanitised input handling within search.php.After
# No code example provided in context, as no solution is available. Apply the vendor's patch when released.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of vulnerability.
- Practice 2: Least privilege limits the impact if an attacker successfully exploits a SQL injection flaw.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation steps are provided as there is no known fix currently available.
# No script provided in context, as no solution is available.5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Check the ‘About’ section in the Burning Board administration panel to confirm the installed version matches the patched release.
- Re-test: Attempt to inject SQL code into the ‘boardids’ parameter of search.php and verify that it no longer succeeds.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any errors related to database queries or SQL syntax around requests to search.php.
# No post-fix command provided in context, check application version manually.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Regular security assessments and updates are essential for preventing this type of vulnerability.
- Baselines: Update your web server security baseline to include regular patching and input validation checks.
- Pipelines: Integrate Static Application Security Testing (SAST) into your CI/CD pipeline to identify potential SQL injection vulnerabilities in code changes.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular patch review cycle for all web applications, prioritising critical security updates.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Applying patches can sometimes introduce compatibility issues or service disruptions.
- Risk or side effect 1: Patch installation may cause temporary downtime. Mitigate by scheduling during off-peak hours.
8. References and Resources
Links to official advisories and trusted documentation.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: No link provided in context. Check the WoltLab website for updates.
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2007-0388
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: No link provided in context. Check the WoltLab Burning Board documentation for updates.