CVE-2006-3402 in VirtuaStore
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in VirtuaStore 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password parameter when logging in.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3402 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within VirtuaStore 2.0, a web-based e-commerce platform that was widely deployed in the mid-2000s. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism of the application, specifically within the password parameter handling during the login process. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the login interface, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it directly targets the user authentication system, which serves as the primary entry point for legitimate users while simultaneously providing an attack vector for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the VirtuaStore application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input provided in the password parameter. When a user attempts to log in, the application constructs a SQL query that incorporates the password value directly into the database request without adequate input validation or parameterization. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where an attacker can append malicious SQL code to the password field, effectively manipulating the database query execution flow. The vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where user-controllable data is concatenated into SQL statements, allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information, or even modify database records.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as it provides attackers with extensive database access capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, including customer information, payment details, and administrative credentials, potentially leading to financial fraud and data breaches. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and its underlying database, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on VirtuaStore 2.0 for e-commerce operations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform data exfiltration, modify customer records, or establish persistent access to the system through the compromised authentication mechanism.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper authentication mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks. The fix involves ensuring that all user input, particularly in authentication parameters, is properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into database queries. This approach aligns with the CWE-89 standard for SQL injection vulnerabilities and follows the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for command injection attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the critical need for secure coding practices in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data and financial transactions.