CVE-2006-2887 in myNewsletter
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in myNewsletter 1.1.2 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the UserName parameter in (1) validatelogin.asp or (2) adminlogin.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2887 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting myNewsletter version 1.1.2 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides within the authentication mechanisms of the web application, specifically targeting the UserName parameter handling in two key administrative pages. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted input, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise. The affected files validatelogin.asp and adminlogin.asp serve as primary attack vectors where user credentials are processed and validated, making them critical points of entry for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization practices within the application's database interaction code. When the UserName parameter is submitted through either authentication page, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could alter the intended SQL query structure. This lack of input sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates how insufficient parameter validation can lead to complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2887 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and data breaches. Remote attackers can utilize this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, gaining administrative access to the newsletter management system. This access enables them to manipulate subscriber lists, modify content, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive user data including email addresses and personal information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive data. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications for initial access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching and code remediation efforts. Organizations should upgrade to myNewsletter versions beyond 1.1.2 where the SQL injection flaws have been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should replace dynamic SQL construction to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at both client and server levels, with proper sanitization of all user-supplied data before database processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, following security best practices outlined in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.