CVE-2006-3236 in thinkWMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in thinkWMS 1.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id parameter in (a) index.php or (b) printarticle.php, and the (2) catid parameter in index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3236 affects thinkWMS version 1.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the application to remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web application's input handling mechanisms, specifically targeting parameters that are directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or validation. The affected parameters include the id parameter in both index.php and printarticle.php scripts, as well as the catid parameter in index.php, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit. These vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a serious weakness in software security design and implementation practices. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows unauthorized users to manipulate the underlying database through crafted input values, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or input validation. When an attacker submits malicious data through the vulnerable id or catid parameters, the application fails to sanitize the input before incorporating it into database commands. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can manipulate database operations, potentially extracting sensitive information, modifying data, or even executing administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation and reducing the effort required by attackers to find a working attack vector. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3236 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected system's database operations. Attackers could potentially extract confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-sensitive information stored within the application's database. The vulnerability also poses risks of data integrity compromise, allowing malicious actors to modify or delete critical information. Additionally, the exploitation could serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database servers often contain privileged information and may be connected to other systems. Organizations using thinkWMS 1.0 or earlier versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3236 should prioritize immediate application updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or stored procedures that separate SQL code from user data, effectively preventing malicious input from altering database operations. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage that could result from successful exploitation. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, input sanitization routines, and monitoring for suspicious database activities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the fixes do not break existing functionality while providing robust protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper database access controls as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.