CVE-2006-2016 in phpLDAPadmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpLDAPadmin 0.9.8 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) dn parameter in (a) compare_form.php, (b) copy_form.php, (c) rename_form.php, (d) template_engine.php, and (e) delete_form.php; (2) scope parameter in (f) search.php; and (3) Container DN, (4) Machine Name, and (5) UID Number fields in (g) template_engine.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2016 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting phpLDAPadmin versions 0.9.8 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within multiple script files that handle LDAP administrative operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through several parameter fields, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this LDAP management tool. The vulnerability impacts the core functionality of phpLDAPadmin by enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to complete session hijacking or data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors within the phpLDAPadmin application. The primary attack surfaces include the dn parameter which appears in compare_form.php, copy_form.php, rename_form.php, template_engine.php, and delete_form.php, allowing attackers to inject malicious content into distinguished name fields. Additionally, the scope parameter in search.php provides another injection point, while template_engine.php contains three additional vulnerable fields including Container DN, Machine Name, and UID Number fields. These parameters are processed without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to craft malicious payloads that bypass the application's security controls and execute within user browsers. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2016 extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers to compromise user sessions and gain unauthorized access to LDAP directories. When authenticated users interact with the vulnerable application, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the compromised users. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of phpLDAPadmin by undermining the trust boundary between the application and its users, as legitimate administrative functions become potential attack vectors for malicious actors. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where LDAP systems contain sensitive directory information and authentication data.
Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of phpLDAPadmin should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the application, as the vulnerability affects core administrative functions and cannot be adequately protected through network-level controls alone. The recommended remediation strategy involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches or upgrading to phpLDAPadmin 1.0.0 or later versions where these XSS vulnerabilities have been addressed. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, though these measures provide only partial protection against this class of vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566, which describes the technique of "Phishing with Malicious Attachments or Links," as attackers can leverage these XSS flaws to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any additional vulnerable applications within their LDAP infrastructure and ensure proper input validation is implemented across all web interfaces.