CVE-2006-0653 in phpht Topsites
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Hinton Design phpht Topsites 1.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via multiple vectors including the username parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0653 affects Hinton Design phpht Topsites version 1.3, a web application designed for managing top sites lists. This critical security flaw manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability specifically targets the username parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious SQL code injection. The affected application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating a dangerous pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's database interaction routines. When user-supplied data is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization, attackers can craft malicious inputs that alter the intended query structure. The username parameter becomes a critical attack vector because it is likely used in authentication or user management queries where database access is required. This allows attackers to inject SQL syntax that bypasses authentication mechanisms, extracts sensitive data, modifies database records, or even executes system commands depending on the database configuration and permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing data integrity compromise, unauthorized access, and potential system exploitation. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the application's database, potentially accessing user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the topsites application. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands means attackers can perform data manipulation operations including data deletion, modification, or extraction. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can lead to complete database compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a web application that may be publicly accessible, making it exploitable by anyone with internet connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically targeting all user-supplied inputs including the username parameter. Database access should be restricted to minimum required privileges, and proper error handling should be implemented to prevent information leakage. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms as additional protective layers. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks that remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application threats.