CVE-2006-4047 in Netious CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Netious CMS 0.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4047 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Netious Content Management System version 0.4 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file and exploits the username parameter to allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the cms application, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without requiring authentication or local system access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This weakness falls under the broader category of injection flaws that have been consistently ranked among the top security risks by organizations such as owasp and the sqli prevention guidelines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input through the username parameter that gets directly processed into sql queries without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries and potentially execute unauthorized commands such as data extraction, modification, or deletion. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this flaw from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise through database manipulation, privilege escalation, or even lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation makes this particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any remote attacker without prior credentials or system access.
From an operational perspective, the exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability can result in significant business disruption and security breaches for organizations using affected Netious CMS installations. The potential for data loss, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive information creates substantial risk for enterprises relying on this platform. The vulnerability's age and the fact that it affects version 0.4 and earlier indicates that many organizations may have been running exposed systems for extended periods without proper patching or security updates. This scenario aligns with common attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework where adversaries leverage known vulnerabilities in legacy systems to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in database interactions, which are fundamental concepts in secure software development practices.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2006-4047 include immediate patching of the Netious CMS to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts targeting the username parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques and using prepared statements or parameterized queries in all database interactions can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The remediation approach should also include comprehensive security testing of all web applications to identify and address similar injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect unauthorized access attempts or suspicious sql queries that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping software up to date and following secure coding practices that prevent injection attacks at the source.