CVE-2006-2544 in Xtreme Topsites
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Xtreme Topsites 1.1, with magic_quotes_gpc disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) searchthis parameter in lostid.php and (2) id parameter in stats.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; portions of the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2544 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Xtreme Topsites version 1.1, a web-based directory and ranking system. This vulnerability arises specifically when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where user input is not automatically escaped, thereby exposing the application to malicious SQL command injection attacks. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the application's codebase, making it particularly dangerous as it provides multiple entry points for potential exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through direct manipulation of HTTP parameters that are processed without proper input validation or sanitization. In the first attack vector, the searchthis parameter within lostid.php is susceptible to injection attacks, allowing remote attackers to craft malicious SQL payloads that can be executed against the underlying database. The second vector targets the id parameter in stats.php, which similarly lacks adequate input filtering mechanisms. Both attack paths exploit the fundamental weakness of insufficient parameter validation and the absence of proper SQL query escaping when magic_quotes_gpc is turned off, which is a common configuration in many production environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it grants attackers complete control over the affected database system. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized users to retrieve sensitive information, modify or delete database records, inject malicious code, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the lack of input validation makes it particularly easy to exploit. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a critical weakness in software security. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these vulnerabilities exist in widely used web applications, making them attractive targets for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective immediate fix involves enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing proper input sanitization routines that escape special characters in user-supplied data before processing. Additionally, developers should adopt parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities throughout the application, as well as implementing proper error handling that does not reveal database structure information to users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to database systems, and represents a classic example of how insecure input handling can lead to complete system compromise.