CVE-2006-2339 in evoTopsites Pro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in evoTopsites 2.x and evoTopsites Pro 2.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cat_id and (2) id parameters.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2339 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting evoTopsites 2.x and evoTopsites Pro 2.x web applications. This security weakness resides within the index.php script and demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that has been documented under CWE-89 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability specifically impacts two parameter fields: cat_id and id, which are processed without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit maliciously formatted input through the cat_id and id parameters in the index.php script. These parameters are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization techniques, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. The flaw essentially permits attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative control over the affected system. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning to identify vulnerable endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web application. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the topsites application, which typically manages user submissions and rankings, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on such platforms for community engagement or business operations. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2339 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations must implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous validation before being processed. The recommended approach includes filtering and escaping all input parameters, implementing proper access controls, and applying the latest security patches from the vendor. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this flaw represents a common pattern that frequently appears in legacy web applications. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the implemented fixes do not introduce new functionality issues while effectively neutralizing the SQL injection threat.