CVE-2006-1104 in Pixelpost
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Pixelpost 1.5 beta 1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the showimage parameter in index.php; and the (2) USER_AGENT, (3) HTTP_REFERER, and (4) HTTP_HOST HTTP header fields as used in the book_vistor function in includes/functions.php. NOTE: the vendor has disputed some issues from the original disclosure, but due to the vagueness of the dispute, it is not clear whether the vendor is disputing this particular issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1104 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Pixelpost version 1.5 beta 1 and earlier installations. This vulnerability manifests across multiple attack vectors within the application's codebase, creating significant security risks for affected systems. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to manipulate database structures, escalate privileges, and gain persistent access to affected environments. The issue affects both user-facing parameters and server-side HTTP header fields, demonstrating the breadth of potential attack surfaces within the application's input handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within Pixelpost's codebase. The primary attack vectors include the showimage parameter in index.php which directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. Additionally, the book_vistor function in includes/functions.php processes HTTP_USER_AGENT, HTTP_REFERER, and HTTP_HOST header fields without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious payloads to be injected into database queries. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental principles of input validation and database query construction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple entry points.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1104 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to extract sensitive information from databases, modify or delete content, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's ability to affect HTTP header fields means that even simple web browsing activities can serve as attack vectors, making detection and prevention particularly challenging. Organizations running affected Pixelpost versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access, potential regulatory violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system exposes not just the application itself but also any associated databases containing user information, configuration data, or business-critical information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the core security flaws in the application's input handling mechanisms. The most effective approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization across all user-supplied data points, including the identified showimage parameter and HTTP header fields. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns, though this represents a secondary defense measure. The vendor's disputed status regarding some aspects of the original disclosure suggests that the exact scope of the vulnerability may require careful analysis to ensure complete remediation. Security best practices recommend conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other parts of the application, as well as implementing proper access controls and database permissions to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software updated and following secure development lifecycle practices to prevent such issues from occurring in the first place, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services.