CVE-2006-3163 in IMGallery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in galeria.php in IMGallery 2.4 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) start or (2) sort parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3163 represents a critical security flaw in IMGallery version 2.4 and earlier, specifically within the galeria.php script. This issue manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability affects two distinct parameter inputs within the application's request handling mechanism, namely the start and sort parameters, which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the galeria.php script. When attackers submit malicious input through the start or sort parameters, the application fails to properly escape or filter these inputs before incorporating them into SQL query construction. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as part of the SQL command structure rather than as literal data values. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account under which the application operates. This could result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges within the database, potentially gaining access to additional system resources or using the compromised database as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that IMGallery was a widely deployed content management solution for image galleries. The fact that the vulnerability affects parameters commonly used for pagination and sorting operations means that even routine user interactions could serve as attack vectors. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the application serves a large number of users or where the gallery contains sensitive content. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control activities, as attackers could potentially use the SQL injection to establish persistent access to the database infrastructure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application firewalls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The remediation approach for CVE-2006-3163 requires comprehensive application-level fixes that address the root cause of the SQL injection vulnerability. The most effective solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that ensure all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL queries. This approach directly addresses the CWE-89 classification and prevents the injection of malicious SQL commands through the vulnerable start and sort parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, as well as conducting thorough security testing of all application inputs to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that the application remains protected against known vulnerabilities.