CVE-2006-2279 in SaphpLesson
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in SaphpLesson 3.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the Find parameter in (a) search.php, and the (2) LID and (3) Rate parameters in (b) misc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2279 represents a critical security flaw in SaphpLesson 3.0, a web-based learning management system that was widely used in educational environments during the mid-2000s. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, making it one of the most persistent and dangerous categories of web application vulnerabilities. The flaw manifests in three distinct attack vectors within the application's codebase, each presenting unique opportunities for malicious actors to compromise the system's database integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the SaphpLesson 3.0 application's PHP scripts. Attackers can exploit the Find parameter in search.php without requiring authentication, allowing them to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the search functionality. Additionally, the LID and Rate parameters in misc.php present similar weaknesses, enabling remote code execution through crafted SQL payloads. These vulnerabilities occur because the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables full database compromise and potential system takeover. An attacker who successfully exploits any of these three vectors can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the backend database, potentially gaining read access to sensitive student information, course materials, and administrative credentials. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web-hosted educational platforms. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2279 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation across all vulnerable scripts. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of SaphpLesson or migrated to a more modern learning management system that properly addresses these security concerns. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, though these should not be considered replacements for proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and input validation reviews, particularly for legacy web applications that may contain unpatched security flaws.