CVE-2006-2847 in aspWebLinks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in links.asp in aspWebLinks 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the linkID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2847 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the aspWebLinks 2.0 web application, specifically affecting the links.asp component. This vulnerability resides in the parameter handling mechanism where the linkID parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and severe class of security flaws that have been consistently exploited in web applications over the years. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no local access or authentication, allowing any remote attacker to leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious linkID parameter value that contains SQL payload commands. When the aspWebLinks application processes this parameter in its SQL query construction, the injected commands are executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the database system. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, instead directly concatenating user-supplied input into SQL statements. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an opening for attackers to manipulate the intended query execution flow and gain unauthorized access to database resources. The impact is particularly severe as it can lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system-wide lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2847 extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader security implications for organizations utilizing aspWebLinks 2.0. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data access, potentially stealing sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-critical information stored within the database. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to modify or delete database records, leading to data integrity issues and potential service disruption. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers may use this vulnerability as part of broader reconnaissance and exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple environments makes it particularly concerning for organizations with legacy systems that have not been properly updated or patched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application codebase, ensuring that user input is properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL commands. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, rejecting or filtering out potentially malicious input patterns before they reach the database layer. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for database connections can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing, should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application portfolio. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why adherence to secure coding practices and regular security updates are essential components of any comprehensive cybersecurity program, as the exploitation of such flaws can lead to catastrophic consequences for organizations relying on vulnerable web applications.