CVE-2006-3330 in PHP Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in AddAsset1.php in PHP/MySQL Classifieds (PHP Classifieds) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) ProductName ("Title" field), (2) url, and (3) Description parameters, possibly related to issues in add1.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3330 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the PHP/MySQL Classifieds application, specifically affecting the AddAsset1.php component. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution risks through malicious input manipulation in three primary parameter fields including ProductName or Title, url, and Description. The flaw demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's data handling processes. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple XSS attacks as it potentially enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, creating a more severe threat vector. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications that process user input without proper sanitization or validation, as it can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality where user-generated content is processed and stored, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any special privileges or authentication. The issue is particularly concerning because it relates to the fundamental data entry mechanisms of the classifieds system, making it a high-risk vulnerability that could allow attackers to manipulate the underlying database structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications, and it also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack surface is broad as it encompasses the entire user submission process within the classifieds platform, allowing for multiple entry points for exploitation. The vulnerability's potential for SQL injection suggests that the application lacks proper input filtering and database query sanitization mechanisms, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the backend database through maliciously crafted input. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise, depending on the attacker's objectives and the system's security configuration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the AddAsset1.php script, which processes user-submitted data for the classifieds system. When users enter information into the ProductName, url, or Description fields, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before storing them in the database or rendering them in web pages. This lack of proper input validation creates multiple attack vectors where malicious scripts can be injected and subsequently executed when other users view the affected content. The vulnerability's relationship to issues in add1.php suggests that the input processing logic is flawed across multiple components of the application's data handling pipeline. The specific parameters mentioned indicate that the vulnerability affects the application's core user interface elements where data entry occurs, making it particularly accessible to attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates a common pattern in web application security where user input is treated as trusted without proper validation or encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. This flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture and highlights the importance of implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability's potential for SQL injection indicates that the application's database interaction layer is also compromised, suggesting that the entire data handling pipeline requires security review and remediation. The lack of proper parameter validation means that attackers can manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources. This vulnerability type is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge, making it a high-priority security concern for any organization using this classifieds platform.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3330 extends far beyond simple script injection, as it creates a persistent threat that can compromise the entire classifieds system and potentially the underlying infrastructure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially gain administrative access to the application's backend systems. The vulnerability's ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands creates opportunities for data exfiltration, data modification, and even complete database compromise, depending on the attacker's objectives and the system's configuration. Organizations using this classifieds platform face significant risks including unauthorized access to user data, potential regulatory compliance violations, and damage to reputation due to successful attacks. The vulnerability's presence in core data entry functionality means that every user interaction with the classifieds system could potentially be exploited, creating an ongoing threat that requires immediate remediation. The impact is particularly severe for classifieds systems that handle sensitive user information, business data, or financial transactions, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to access and manipulate critical business information. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the network, potentially using the classifieds system as a foothold for broader attacks against the organization's infrastructure. The long-term operational implications include potential legal consequences, regulatory penalties, and increased security costs associated with vulnerability remediation and incident response activities. Organizations must also consider the potential for cascading effects if the vulnerability is used as a stepping stone to attack other systems within the organization's network. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to service disruption, data loss, or unauthorized system access that may require extensive forensic analysis and security remediation efforts. The impact on user trust and confidence in the platform's security measures can result in significant business consequences, including loss of users and revenue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3330 require immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's data handling pipeline. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and encoding for all user inputs, particularly in the ProductName, url, and Description fields that are affected by this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that removes or encodes potentially malicious characters and content before processing user-submitted data. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding when displaying user-generated content to prevent script execution in web browsers. The application should be updated to use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks that could be exploited through this vulnerability. Security patches or code modifications should be applied to fix the input validation flaws in AddAsset1.php and related components such as add1.php. Regular security testing and code review processes should be implemented to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of protection. The implementation of proper access controls and authentication mechanisms can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security training for development teams can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code releases. The vulnerability's classification as a high-risk issue necessitates immediate action, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and security assessment to identify all potential exploitation vectors within the application. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to address XSS and SQL injection vulnerabilities, ensuring rapid identification and remediation of similar security issues. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that security fixes do not introduce new functionality issues or break existing application features. Regular security updates and patches should be implemented to maintain the application's security posture and protect against evolving threats.