CVE-2006-3359 in NewsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in index.php in NewsPHP 2006 PRO allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) words, (2) id, (3) topmenuitem, and (4) cat_id parameters in (a) index.php; and the (5) category parameter in (b) inc/rss_feed.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3359 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting NewsPHP 2006 PRO, a content management system widely used for news publishing and management. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's core components, specifically targeting the index.php script and supporting files such as inc/rss_feed.php. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious SQL commands by manipulating specific parameters passed through HTTP requests, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple parameter injection points that directly interact with the database layer without proper sanitization. The vulnerable parameters include words, id, topmenuitem, cat_id in the main index.php file, and category in the rss_feed.php module. These parameters are processed directly within SQL queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques, creating a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the database communication interface where user-supplied input is concatenated into SQL statements without proper validation mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents severe security implications for organizations relying on NewsPHP 2006 PRO for their news publishing infrastructure. Attackers can exploit these injection points to extract sensitive data from the database, including user credentials, administrative information, and published content. The vulnerability also enables potential privilege escalation attacks where malicious actors could gain administrative access to the system, allowing them to modify or delete content, alter user permissions, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. Additionally, the attack surface extends to RSS feed generation, indicating that even automated content delivery mechanisms are compromised.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving database injection techniques and web application exploitation. This vulnerability maps to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles. The attack vector requires only remote access to the web application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper input validation measures. The most effective solution involves updating to a patched version of NewsPHP 2006 PRO or migrating to a supported CMS platform that implements proper parameterized queries and input sanitization. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input validation at the application level, and regular security assessments can help protect against exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures should also be implemented to limit potential damage if exploitation occurs. Organizations should conduct thorough security audits to identify other potential injection points within their web applications and establish secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles.