CVE-2006-1691 in MWNewsletter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in MWNewsletter 1.0.0b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user_name parameter to unsubscribe.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2018
The CVE-2006-1691 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in MWNewsletter version 1.0.0b that exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the unsubscribe.php script where the user_name parameter is processed without adequate sanitization measures. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially enabling full database access and manipulation. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql statements, creating an exploitable path for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior authentication or privileged access to the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns for sql injection attacks where the attacker manipulates the user_name parameter to inject malicious sql code. When the application processes the unsubscribe request, it constructs sql queries dynamically using the user_name value without proper parameterization or input sanitization. This creates an environment where attackers can append sql commands to the original query, potentially extracting sensitive data, modifying database records, or even executing system commands if the underlying database supports such functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database takeover through carefully crafted malicious inputs that manipulate the sql execution context.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1691 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential service disruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the newsletter database containing subscriber information, personal details, and potentially sensitive organizational data. The vulnerability also enables attackers to manipulate the newsletter system itself, potentially removing legitimate subscribers, adding malicious entries, or even using the compromised system as a platform for further attacks. Organizations relying on MWNewsletter 1.0.0b face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive subscriber information. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or insider knowledge of the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction in web applications, particularly those handling user data and subscription management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1691 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database interactions, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into sql commands. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or escape potentially malicious characters before processing user data. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of MWNewsletter that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 1.0.0b is no longer supported and likely contains additional security flaws. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. Regular security testing including sql injection vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten and the mitre attack framework, which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental technique used by adversaries to compromise web applications and databases.