CVE-2006-0497 in PHP GEN
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PHP GEN before 1.4 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands via unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0497 represents a critical security flaw in PHP GEN versions prior to 1.4, specifically targeting multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the PHP GEN framework, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability exists across multiple attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with various entry points to exploit the system. The affected PHP GEN software likely processes user inputs directly into database queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms, which violates fundamental security principles for database interaction. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The attack vectors for this vulnerability are particularly concerning because they remain unspecified, suggesting that multiple input points within the application may be susceptible to manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers can inject malicious SQL code through various input fields or parameters within the PHP GEN application. The lack of proper input sanitization means that database queries constructed using user-supplied data can be altered to execute unintended commands. Attackers may leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data from databases, modify or delete records, or even escalate privileges within the affected system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected systems, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The absence of specific attack vector details in the CVE description suggests that the vulnerability may be present across multiple components of the PHP GEN framework, increasing the overall attack surface and making comprehensive remediation more complex.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-0497 extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader security implications for organizations using affected PHP GEN versions. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, data loss, or system compromise that could lead to regulatory compliance violations and significant financial losses. The vulnerability's presence in a web application framework means that any website or application built using PHP GEN could be at risk, potentially affecting thousands of users depending on the deployment scope. The long-term consequences include potential reputational damage, legal liability, and increased security overhead for affected organizations. Security teams must conduct comprehensive assessments of their PHP GEN implementations to identify all potential attack vectors and ensure complete remediation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and the risks associated with using outdated software versions in production environments. This issue aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and demonstrates how legacy software vulnerabilities can persist for years without proper patch management, creating extended attack windows for threat actors.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2006-0497 involve immediate upgrade to PHP GEN version 1.4 or later, which should contain the necessary security fixes and input validation improvements. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before being used in database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent SQL injection exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security testing including penetration testing and code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within their systems. Network segmentation and database access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future, aligning with industry best practices for maintaining secure software environments. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of keeping software components up-to-date and the necessity of implementing robust security controls in web application development practices.