CVE-2006-3516 in FreeHost
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in FreeHost allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) readme parameter to FreeHost/misc.php or (2) index parameter to FreeHost/news.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3516 represents a critical security flaw in the FreeHost web application that exposes multiple pathways for remote attackers to perform SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically targeting the readme parameter in FreeHost/misc.php and the index parameter in FreeHost/news.php. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the application's database queries, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the FreeHost application's PHP scripts. When users provide input through the affected parameters, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could alter the intended SQL query structure. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL syntax. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector, where user-controllable data is directly concatenated into SQL statements without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information, modify or delete database records, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even gain access to the underlying operating system through database server features. The remote nature of this attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely first enumerate the application's functionality before exploiting the SQL injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3516 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries throughout the FreeHost application. The most effective approach involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines, employing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security code reviews can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege database access controls and regular database audit trails to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten to prevent injection attacks that have remained prevalent in web applications for over a decade.