CVE-2006-0235 in White Album
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in WhiteAlbum 2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the dir parameter to pictures.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0235 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within WhiteAlbum 2.5, a web-based photo album application. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the dir parameter in the pictures.php script, which serves as the primary attack vector for executing malicious SQL commands. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter sanitization and input validation, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code that gets executed within the database context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. When an attacker provides malicious input through the dir parameter, the application directly incorporates this unvalidated data into database queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation and data handling. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user inputs are processed without adequate security controls, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, or even modify database contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the application's underlying database system. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion of critical information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to carry out attacks. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, potentially affecting all users of the vulnerable WhiteAlbum 2.5 installation. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability affects the core functionality of the photo album application, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on the T1190 technique related to exploitation of remote services and T1071.1003 for application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat requires immediate attention through patch management procedures and network segmentation strategies. Organizations should implement proper input validation measures including parameterized queries, stored procedures, and comprehensive input sanitization routines to prevent similar issues. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of WhiteAlbum 2.5, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing secure coding practices to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities in future development cycles.