CVE-2006-1958 in WWWThreads
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in WWWThreads RC 3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the forumreferrer cookie to register.php and (2) the messages parameter in message_list.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1958 represents a critical security flaw in the WWWThreads RC 3 web application that exposes multiple pathways for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This issue falls under the category of SQL injection vulnerabilities, which are among the most dangerous web application security weaknesses according to the CWE database under CWE-89. The vulnerability affects two distinct input vectors within the application's codebase, creating multiple attack surfaces for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and sanitization in two specific files within the WWWThreads application. The first vulnerability occurs in register.php where the forumreferrer cookie parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax directly through cookie manipulation, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The second vulnerability exists in message_list.php where the messages parameter is processed without adequate input filtering, enabling attackers to manipulate database queries through direct parameter injection. Both vulnerabilities stem from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, which are fundamental security practices recommended by OWASP and the ATT&CK framework under TA0006 (Credential Access) and TA0002 (Execution).
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with direct database access capabilities that can result in complete system compromise. Remote attackers can extract sensitive user data, modify database contents, create new user accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive information. The exploitation of these vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to user accounts, and potential system takeover, all of which can result in significant financial and reputational damage to organizations using affected versions of WWWThreads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1958 must focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization across all user-controllable parameters within the application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of WWWThreads or apply the necessary code modifications to implement parameterized queries and proper input filtering. The solution should include implementing strict input validation for all cookies and GET/POST parameters, using prepared statements or stored procedures to handle database interactions, and implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to users. Security measures should also include monitoring for suspicious cookie values and parameter manipulation attempts, as well as implementing web application firewalls to detect and block SQL injection attempts. According to industry standards and ATT&CK framework guidance, these remediation efforts align with defensive techniques designed to prevent command injection and credential access attacks, while the CWE classification of this vulnerability emphasizes the critical importance of proper input handling in database interactions.