CVE-2006-1111 in Aztek Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Aztek Forum 4.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a "*/*" in the msg parameter to index.php, which reveals usernames and passwords in a MySQL error message, possibly due to a forced SQL error or SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1111 affects Aztek Forum version 4.0, a web-based discussion platform that was widely used in the early 2000s. This security flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive authentication data to remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing the "/" string in the msg parameter of the index.php script, which triggers an unintended behavior in the application's database interaction mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on improper input validation and error handling within the forum's message processing functionality. When the application receives the malformed msg parameter containing "/", it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before using it in database queries. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where malicious input can influence the SQL query execution path, leading to either a forced SQL error or a successful SQL injection attack. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic pattern of insufficient data validation that allows attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract usernames and passwords directly from MySQL error messages, effectively compromising the authentication system of the entire forum. This information disclosure exposes not only user credentials but also potentially reveals database structure information, which could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a direct pathway to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and potentially escalate privileges within the application's user management system.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-210, which covers "Information Exposure Through an Error Message." The attack pattern aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1213.002, "External Remote Services," as it enables remote exploitation without requiring local access or authentication. The vulnerability also reflects the broader threat landscape of SQL injection attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security issues. Organizations using affected versions of Aztek Forum would face immediate risk of credential theft and potential account compromise, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user authentication is critical.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input sanitization and error handling improvements. The most effective solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, combined with comprehensive input validation that rejects or sanitizes special characters in user-provided parameters. Additionally, applications should be configured to avoid exposing detailed database error messages to end users, as these can provide attackers with valuable information for further exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patches to the forum software should be implemented immediately, while organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper error handling and input validation in web applications, as these fundamental security controls directly prevent information disclosure and injection attacks.