CVE-2006-1804 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in sql.php in phpMyAdmin 2.7.0-pl1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sql_query parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1804 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpMyAdmin web-based database management tool version 2.7.0-pl1. This vulnerability specifically affects the sql.php component which processes sql_query parameters submitted through web forms. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied sql query strings before executing them against the underlying database system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql commands within the sql_query parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information or executing destructive operations on the target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection attacks as a fundamental weakness in software applications that handle database queries. This particular flaw enables remote code execution through database commands, making it particularly dangerous as attackers do not require local system access to exploit the vulnerability. The vulnerability exists because the application directly incorporates user input into sql statements without proper parameterization or input sanitization, creating an environment where malicious sql payloads can be interpreted and executed by the database engine. This type of injection vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database interaction protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1804 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise capabilities. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations stored within the database. More severely, the vulnerability could enable attackers to modify or delete database content, create new database users with elevated privileges, or even execute operating system commands if the database engine has sufficient permissions. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on phpMyAdmin for database administration, making it a significant threat to organizations using this popular database management tool in their infrastructure. The remote exploit nature means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1804 should prioritize immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to version 2.7.0-pl2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and comprehensive input validation routines that reject suspicious sql syntax patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted networks only, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the attack surface. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary database user accounts, implementing least privilege principles for database access, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized database access attempts. These defensive measures align with the NIST cybersecurity framework's protection and detection functions, ensuring comprehensive defense against sql injection attacks that could compromise database integrity and confidentiality.