CVE-2006-2065 in PHPSurveyor
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in save.php in PHPSurveyor 0.995 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the surveyid cookie. NOTE: this issue could be leveraged to execute arbitrary PHP code, as demonstrated by inserting directory traversal sequences into the database, which are then processed by the thissurvey[ language ] variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2021
The CVE-2006-2065 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in PHPSurveyor version 0.995 and earlier, specifically affecting the save.php script. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the surveyid cookie parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. The flaw exists within the application's data handling mechanisms where user-supplied cookie values are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the surveyid cookie value to inject malicious SQL payloads. The attack vector leverages the fact that the application processes cookie data directly within database queries, bypassing normal input validation controls. When the surveyid cookie contains malicious SQL syntax, it gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract, modify, or delete sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can influence cookie values.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2065 extends beyond simple data manipulation to include potential code execution capabilities. As noted in the vulnerability description, attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code through directory traversal sequences inserted into the database. The exploitation chain involves injecting malicious content through the database that gets processed by the thissurvey[language] variable, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server. This represents a severe escalation from typical SQL injection attacks, as it moves from database manipulation to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire survey system, potentially exposing all survey data and user information stored within the database.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2065 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to PHPSurveyor versions that address this vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported. The implementation of proper cookie validation and sanitization measures is essential, including the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection. Additionally, input filtering should be applied to all cookie values, particularly those used in database operations. Security measures should also include monitoring for suspicious cookie values and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of web applications.