CVE-2006-4478 in ezContents
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in headeruserdata.php in Visual Shapers ezContents 2.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the groupname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4478 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Visual Shapers ezContents content management system version 2.0.3. This vulnerability specifically affects the headeruserdata.php script which processes user input through the groupname parameter, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's data handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject crafted SQL payloads that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or escaping. When the groupname parameter is submitted to headeruserdata.php, the application incorporates this input into database queries without sufficient sanitization, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended query structure. This vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it operates over remote network connections, requiring no local system access or privileged credentials to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the database. More severely, the vulnerability allows for data modification and deletion operations, potentially leading to complete system corruption or unauthorized administrative access. The affected Visual Shapers ezContents 2.0.3 platform would be vulnerable to unauthorized access to all content managed through the system, with potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations using this version of ezContents face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4478 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ezContents version to address the root cause of the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The recommended approach includes employing prepared statements and stored procedures that separate SQL command structure from data values, effectively neutralizing injection attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits will help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications.