CVE-2006-0728 in webSPELL
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in webSPELL 4.01.00 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands via the title_op parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0728 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the webSPELL content management system version 4.01.00 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the search.php script where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability resides in how the application processes the title_op parameter, which is used to define the operation for searching within the system's database. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that manipulates the underlying SQL query structure, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
This SQL injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector operates through remote exploitation, meaning that an attacker does not require physical access to the system to carry out the attack. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL command construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The title_op parameter serves as the primary entry point for this attack, where malicious SQL fragments can be injected and executed within the database context, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data manipulation, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and potential system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user information, modify database content, or even escalate privileges within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability affects the core search functionality of webSPELL, which is likely a frequently used feature, amplifying the potential impact of the exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the webSPELL application to version 4.01.01 or later, where the SQL injection flaw has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The use of prepared statements and proper sanitization of user input before database operations should be enforced across all application components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and code reviews focusing on database interaction points to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation practices.