CVE-2006-2822 in CodeAvalanche FreeForum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/default.asp in Dusan Drobac CodeAvalanche FreeForum (aka CAForum) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2822 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Dusan Drobac CodeAvalanche FreeForum version 1.0 administration interface. This security weakness specifically affects the admin/default.asp component where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability manifests through the password parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling mechanisms that fail to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits maliciously crafted input through the password parameter field in the administrative interface. The application processes this input without proper sanitization, allowing the attacker to manipulate the underlying SQL query structure. This manipulation enables the execution of unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even administrative command execution depending on the database permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the database interaction logic within the forum's administrative component, making it particularly dangerous as it provides direct access to backend database resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for system integrity and data security. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive forum data including user credentials, personal information, and potentially administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can modify forum content, delete user accounts, or even compromise the entire hosting environment if database permissions are elevated. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor for malicious actors to control the forum's administrative functions while remaining undetected, as the injected SQL commands can be designed to avoid standard logging mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be executed remotely without requiring prior authentication.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. This classification emphasizes the fundamental issue of improper input handling in database interactions and represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous security weaknesses in web applications. The attack pattern corresponds to the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database communication protocols. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures including parameterized queries, stored procedures, and proper escape sequence handling to prevent such vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on database interaction points can help identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack. The remediation approach should involve immediate patching of the affected forum version, implementation of proper input sanitization, and establishment of secure coding practices that prevent direct SQL query construction from user input data.