CVE-2006-3329 in PHP Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in PHP/MySQL Classifieds (PHP Classifieds) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rate parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2017
The CVE-2006-3329 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PHP/MySQL Classifieds application that affects the search.php script. This vulnerability specifically targets the rate parameter handling mechanism, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the application's query construction process, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow through crafted input values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates by bypassing normal input validation procedures that should sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. When the rate parameter is processed in search.php, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input values, enabling attackers to inject malicious sql syntax that gets executed within the database context. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes the classifieds application to severe security risks including unauthorized data access, data corruption, and potential complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database such as user credentials, classified listings, or system configuration details. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment and potentially use the compromised system as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise scenarios. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to the execution and privilege escalation phases of the attack lifecycle, where attackers can leverage the sql injection to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. Organizations using this vulnerable application face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive user information. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity and availability of the classifieds service, as attackers could modify or delete listings, potentially causing service disruption and financial losses for businesses relying on the platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query construction practices. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization routines that escape special sql characters and employ prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql code from data. The application should also implement proper output encoding to prevent malicious payloads from being executed in unexpected contexts. Additionally, regular security auditing and code review practices should be established to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security controls to protect against sql injection attacks that continue to represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats.