CVE-2006-1237 in DSNewsletter
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in DSNewsletter 1.0, with magic_quotes_gpc disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the email parameter to (1) include/sub.php, (2) include/confirm.php, or (3) include/unconfirm.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1237 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting DSNewsletter version 1.0, specifically exploiting the absence of proper input validation mechanisms when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled on the web server. This configuration creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands through the email parameter in three distinct script files. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, a fundamental security oversight that directly violates secure coding practices. The affected scripts include/sub.php, include/confirm.php, and include/unconfirm.php, all of which process the email parameter without adequate sanitization measures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe weakness in application security, and specifically maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible web application component. The exploitation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized database operations, potentially leading to data theft, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the web application fails to automatically escape special characters in user input, removing a crucial defense mechanism that would otherwise prevent malicious SQL code from being interpreted as part of the intended query.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to unauthorized database access, data modification, and potential privilege escalation within the application's database environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive user information, modify or delete database records, and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or local access, making it an ideal target for remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality related to newsletter subscription management, where the email parameter serves as the primary input for user registration, confirmation, and unsubscription processes. This creates a high-risk scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the subscription system to gain unauthorized access to user data or disrupt legitimate service operations. The vulnerability's exploitation directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application's data, representing a significant breach of the application's security model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1237 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The most direct solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate SQL code from user input. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement application-level input sanitization as a compensating control. The recommended approach includes validating email format before processing, implementing proper escaping of special characters, and utilizing stored procedures or parameterized queries to execute database operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, implementing a comprehensive security testing framework that includes automated scanning and manual penetration testing. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules at the network level can provide additional protective layers. Security hardening practices should also include regular patch management, proper access controls, and monitoring for suspicious database activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 security frameworks, which emphasize the necessity of input validation and proper database access controls to prevent injection attacks. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing to ensure that all affected code paths are properly secured and that the application maintains its intended functionality while providing robust protection against SQL injection attempts.