CVE-2006-3221 in DataLife Engine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in DataLife Engine 4.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via double-encoded values in the user parameter in a userinfo subaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3221 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within DataLife Engine version 4.1 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and exploits improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data. The flaw manifests when attackers submit double-encoded values through the user parameter within the userinfo subaction, creating a pathway for malicious SQL command execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which classifies it as a persistent security weakness allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a sophisticated exploitation technique that leverages double encoding to bypass basic input sanitization measures. When the DataLife Engine processes the userinfo subaction with the user parameter, the application fails to properly decode and validate the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This double-encoded payload allows attackers to circumvent simple filtering mechanisms that might only detect single-level encoding attempts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed remotely by any internet-connected attacker. According to ATT&CK framework classification, this represents a technique categorized under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive user information, modify database contents, create new user accounts with administrative privileges, or even execute operating system commands on the database server. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire DataLife Engine installation, potentially compromising all user data stored within the system. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system compromise that could lead to broader network infiltration. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3221 should prioritize immediate patching of affected DataLife Engine installations to version 4.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and comprehensive input validation that accounts for multiple encoding levels. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. System administrators should also implement database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper encoding handling and input validation in web applications, emphasizing that simple filtering mechanisms can be bypassed through sophisticated encoding techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify and remediate similar issues across their entire application portfolio.