CVE-2006-0806 in ADOdb
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ADOdb 4.71, as used in multiple packages such as phpESP, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the next_page parameter in adodb-pager.inc.php and (2) other unspecified vectors related to PHP_SELF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2006-0806 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness identified in ADOdb version 4.71, a widely used database abstraction layer for php applications. This vulnerability affects multiple software packages including phpESP and demonstrates how database abstraction libraries can introduce security flaws that impact the entire application stack. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the ADOdb library, specifically in the adodb-pager.inc.php file and related PHP_SELF handling components. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws documented in the CWE database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that exploit the library's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses. The first vector involves the next_page parameter in adodb-pager.inc.php, where attacker-controlled input flows directly into page generation logic without proper HTML escaping or validation. The second vector relates to PHP_SELF handling, where the library fails to sanitize server variables that contain user input, creating opportunities for malicious script injection. These attack paths align with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and demonstrate how vulnerabilities in foundational libraries can propagate across multiple applications that depend on them. The flaw essentially allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, data theft, or further attack propagation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual applications to create widespread security risks across the php ecosystem that relies on ADOdb. Attackers can leverage these XSS flaws to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's presence in phpESP and similar packages means that organizations using these tools face significant exposure, as the attack surface includes not just the primary application but also the underlying database abstraction layer. The consequences include potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and compromise of user authentication mechanisms. Organizations may experience reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and increased attack surface for subsequent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability exemplifies the principle that security flaws in commonly used libraries can create cascading effects throughout the entire software ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0806 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and output sanitization. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of ADOdb that properly escapes all user-supplied input before rendering it in web contexts. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation routines that filter or escape special characters in parameters like next_page and PHP_SELF. Additionally, developers should employ Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and implement proper output encoding for all dynamic content. The solution must address both the immediate vulnerability and prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews of applications using ADOdb to identify and remediate any custom implementations that may be vulnerable to similar XSS attacks. Regular security assessments and dependency monitoring are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other third-party components. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated software libraries and implementing robust security practices throughout the entire application development lifecycle.