CVE-2006-0444 in Phpclanwebsite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Phpclanwebsite (aka PCW) 1.23.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) par parameter in the post function on the forum page and possibly the (2) poll_id parameter on the poll page. NOTE: the poll_id vector can also allow resultant cross-site scripting (XSS) from an unquoted error message for invalid SQL syntax.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0444 represents a critical sql injection flaw within Phpclanwebsite version 1.23.1, specifically targeting the index.php script. This vulnerability exists in the forum functionality where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into sql query constructions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects core forum operations where users can submit posts and participate in polling activities, making it accessible to remote attackers without authentication requirements. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the php application's database interaction layer, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct parameter injection points within the application's codebase. The primary vector involves the par parameter within the post function on forum pages, while the secondary vector targets the poll_id parameter on poll pages. Both injection points demonstrate a classic sql injection pattern where user-supplied data flows directly into sql command construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The par parameter injection allows attackers to inject malicious sql code within the context of forum posting functionality, potentially enabling data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The poll_id parameter presents a more complex scenario as it not only enables sql injection but also creates a secondary cross-site scripting vulnerability through error message reflection, where unquoted error messages containing sql syntax errors can be exploited to deliver malicious javascript payloads to unsuspecting users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with extensive database access capabilities. Successful exploitation could result in complete database enumeration, unauthorized data modification, user account compromise, and potential system escalation. The forum-based nature of the attack vector suggests that this vulnerability could be exploited by malicious users who gain access to the platform through legitimate means, potentially leading to broader security implications within the organization's web infrastructure. The presence of cross-site scripting capability through the poll_id parameter amplifies the threat landscape, as attackers could simultaneously exploit database access and client-side vulnerabilities, creating multi-vector attack scenarios that complicate defensive measures.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's database interaction points. The most effective remediation involves adopting prepared statements and parameterized queries to ensure that user input is never directly concatenated into sql commands. Additionally, comprehensive input sanitization should be implemented at all entry points, particularly those handling forum posts and poll parameters. The application should enforce strict type checking and length validation for all parameters before processing, while also implementing proper error handling that prevents sensitive sql error information from being exposed to end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection and CWE-79 cross-site scripting categories, while the attack methodology corresponds to ATT&CK techniques involving command and control through database manipulation and client-side exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough code review and security testing to ensure all similar injection vectors have been addressed, with particular attention to maintaining secure coding practices throughout the application development lifecycle to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions.