CVE-2006-1669 in PHPMyChat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in chat/messagesL.php3 in phpHeaven Team PHPMyChat 0.14.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the T parameter. NOTE: this issue can be leveraged to execute arbitrary shell commands since the username is later processed in an eval() call, but since the username originated from the SQL injection, it could be a resultant issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1669 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpHeaven Team PHPMyChat 0.14.5 and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the chat/messagesL.php3 script where the T parameter is improperly handled, creating an avenue for remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow through crafted malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic sql injection pattern where the T parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the sql parser interprets the injected commands as legitimate sql syntax rather than data, enabling unauthorized database access and manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database interaction level, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even gain elevated privileges within the database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional sql injection consequences due to the subsequent processing of user input through an eval() function. According to the vulnerability description, the username field which originates from the sql injection can later be processed through an eval() call, creating a potential chain of execution that could lead to arbitrary shell command execution. This multi-layered attack vector transforms what might initially appear as a database manipulation vulnerability into a more severe system compromise opportunity, as the eval() function processes the malicious username data and executes it as code within the server environment.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate sql queries through untrusted input. The attack pattern follows typical ATT&CK techniques categorized under T1190 for exploit public-facing application, where attackers target vulnerable web applications to establish initial access. The presence of the eval() function processing user input represents a secondary vulnerability pattern that aligns with ATT&CK's T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically the use of eval functions for code execution. The combination of these attack vectors creates a particularly dangerous scenario where database compromise can lead to full system compromise through code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected phpMyChat versions to address the sql injection flaw in the messagesL.php3 script. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for parameters that interact with database queries. The use of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced to prevent sql injection regardless of input data. Additionally, the eval() function usage should be eliminated or properly secured, as it represents a dangerous practice that can enable arbitrary code execution when processing untrusted data. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, ensuring that input validation is consistently applied throughout the entire codebase to prevent similar exploitation vectors.