CVE-2006-0943 in PwsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the sondages module in index.php in PwsPHP 1.2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The CVE-2006-0943 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the sondages module of PwsPHP version 1.2.3, specifically targeting the index.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the id parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries directly.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a serious weakness in software applications that allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against backend databases. The specific nature of this flaw enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain complete control over the database server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database layer, where successful exploitation can lead to widespread data compromise and system infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks, create backdoor accounts, or establish persistent access to the affected system. The sondages module in PwsPHP, which appears to handle polling or survey functionality, becomes a vector for database manipulation through the id parameter. This allows attackers to craft malicious sql payloads that can traverse the database schema, potentially accessing administrative tables, user credentials, or other sensitive information stored within the application's database infrastructure.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1190 for exploit public-facing application. The attack surface is particularly concerning for web applications that rely on dynamic query generation without proper input sanitization. Organizations running PwsPHP 1.2.3 should immediately implement input validation measures, including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and thorough sanitization of all user inputs. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to a patched version of PwsPHP or implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious sql payloads before they reach the application layer.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction in preventing sql injection attacks. Modern security frameworks emphasize the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries as primary defenses against such flaws, which aligns with industry best practices established in OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar injection vulnerabilities across all modules and components, as sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous security threats in web applications. The remediation process should include not only immediate patching but also code review processes to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the application codebase.