CVE-2006-2854 in iBWd Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in iBWd Guestbook 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the offset parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2854 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the iBWd Guestbook 1.0 web application. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and exploits an insecure handling of user input through the offset parameter, which serves as a pagination control mechanism for displaying guestbook entries. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the underlying database server, potentially enabling complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe security weakness that occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed from any remote location, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection pattern where the offset parameter is directly concatenated into a sql query without any input validation or sanitization measures. When an attacker provides malicious input through the offset parameter, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into the database query. This allows attackers to manipulate the sql statement structure by injecting sql commands that can extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute system commands depending on the database management system in use. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because guestbook applications often contain personal information and user-generated content that may include sensitive data. The lack of proper input validation means that an attacker could potentially bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, or gain access to the entire database backend. This vulnerability aligns with the attack pattern described in the attack tree framework where attackers can leverage sql injection to achieve data breaches and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to access confidential information stored in the database, including user credentials, personal details, and other sensitive data that may be stored within the guestbook application. The vulnerability also opens doors for attackers to modify or delete database entries, potentially corrupting the guestbook functionality or using it as a staging area for further attacks. In enterprise environments, this type of vulnerability could serve as a foothold for attackers to escalate their privileges and move laterally within the network. The vulnerability's persistence and the fact that it affects a core application component makes it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on such systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is compromised through such vulnerabilities, especially in environments governed by standards like pci dss or gdpr that mandate robust data protection measures. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to the application's integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially disrupt service by corrupting database structures or executing destructive commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Developers should replace direct string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from user input, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended query structure. The offset parameter should be validated to ensure it contains only numeric values and falls within acceptable ranges. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding and input sanitization mechanisms to prevent any potential bypass attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should follow security best practices outlined in owasp top ten and the cwe guidelines, particularly focusing on preventing injection flaws through proper input handling. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle, aligning with the principles of secure by design and the defense in depth strategy recommended by various cybersecurity frameworks including nist cybersecurity framework and iso 27001 standards.