CVE-2006-2302 in DUGallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin_default.asp in DUGallery 2.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) Login or (2) password field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2302 represents a critical sql injection flaw within DUGallery 2.x content management system specifically affecting the admin_default.asp component. This vulnerability resides in the administrative interface where user authentication occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the system's ability to authenticate legitimate users while simultaneously allowing unauthorized access through malicious sql commands. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input submitted through either the login or password fields, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the web application's authentication routine. When users submit login credentials through the admin_default.asp page, the application directly incorporates these inputs into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows an attacker to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database server, potentially enabling full administrative access to the gallery system. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses where untrusted data is embedded into sql commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly severe as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, gallery configurations, and potentially other connected systems. The vulnerability also allows for data modification or deletion, which could result in complete loss of gallery content or manipulation of system settings. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1078 for valid accounts usage once administrative privileges are obtained. The impact is particularly severe for organizations relying on DUGallery 2.x as it provides a direct path to system administration without requiring prior knowledge of legitimate credentials, effectively bypassing standard authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase, specifically within the admin_default.asp component. Organizations should ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and that sql queries utilize parameterized statements rather than string concatenation. Additionally, implementing proper authentication controls including account lockout mechanisms and rate limiting can help reduce the effectiveness of automated exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions of DUGallery that address this vulnerability, as the flaw affects the core authentication functionality. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense in depth, though these measures should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly within authentication systems where the consequences of exploitation can be devastating to system integrity and data security.