CVE-2006-2416 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in class2.php in e107 0.7.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a cookie as defined in $pref[ cookie_name ].
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2416 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the e107 content management system version 0.7.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the class2.php script which handles cookie processing for user authentication and session management. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly sanitize user input from cookies before incorporating them into sql query constructs, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted cookie values. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer where cookie data is directly used to construct sql queries without adequate input validation or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the e107 framework's cookie processing mechanism. When users interact with the system, their browser stores cookies containing session identifiers and other authentication data. The vulnerable code in class2.php directly incorporates the value of $pref[ cookie_name ] into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization techniques. This creates a classic sql injection vector where attackers can inject malicious sql fragments through specially crafted cookie values that get executed against the underlying database. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 sql injection, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2416 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and persistent access. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database, potentially enabling them to escalate privileges, extract sensitive user information, modify content, or even gain shell access to the underlying server. The vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism of e107, meaning that any user session could be hijacked or any authenticated user's privileges could be manipulated. This creates a significant risk for websites using vulnerable versions of e107 as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the platform. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, simply the ability to set cookies in a victim's browser through methods such as cross-site scripting or man-in-the-middle attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2416 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to e107 version 0.7.3 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution. Organizations should also implement comprehensive cookie security measures including secure flag settings, HttpOnly flags, and proper cookie validation mechanisms. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices including input validation, parameterized queries, and principle of least privilege in database access. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1190 for exploitation through sql injection and T1078 for valid accounts use, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring and access control measures. Regular security audits and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar patterns in other parts of the application that might present similar vulnerabilities.