CVE-2006-3262 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Weblinks module (weblinks.php) in Mambo 4.6rc1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the title parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3262 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Weblinks module of Mambo content management system versions 4.6rc1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the weblinks.php file and specifically targets the title parameter handling mechanism. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious SQL commands within the title parameter, which then get executed by the underlying database engine with the privileges of the web application. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability enables full database compromise, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, modify or delete sensitive information, and even escalate privileges to gain deeper system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe weakness in application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without proper sanitization. This flaw operates under the principle of insufficient input validation, where the application fails to verify that input data conforms to expected formats and content types. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior system access, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where user input flows directly into database queries without appropriate escaping mechanisms or prepared statement usage, which are fundamental defenses against SQL injection attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using affected Mambo versions as it provides attackers with direct database access capabilities. The compromised system could face data exfiltration, unauthorized modifications to website content, and potential service disruption. The impact extends to business continuity as attackers might manipulate or delete critical information stored in the database. Additionally, the vulnerability could serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database credentials and system information could be extracted to facilitate lateral movement. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly concerning for publicly accessible web applications.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Mambo, applying the appropriate security updates, and implementing proper input validation mechanisms. The recommended approach involves implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Additionally, input sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and database-level access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management processes, as this flaw could have been prevented through proper secure coding practices and vulnerability management procedures. Compliance with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines should be maintained to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software deployments.