CVE-2006-4667 in runCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in RunCMS 1.4.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) uid parameter in (a) class/sessions.class.php, and the (2) timezone_offset and (3) umode parameters in (b) class/xoopsuser.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2022
The CVE-2006-4667 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in RunCMS version 1.4.1, a content management system that was widely used in web applications during that era. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation in multiple PHP script files. The flaw specifically affects the session management and user handling components of the CMS, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise core user authentication and session tracking mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain complete administrative control over affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct parameter injection points within the RunCMS codebase. The first vector involves the uid parameter within class/sessions.class.php, where user identifiers are processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the session management system. The second and third vectors target the timezone_offset and umode parameters respectively in class/xoopsuser.php, which handle user preference settings and mode configurations. These parameters are processed in ways that concatenate user-supplied input directly into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, creating exploitable injection points that bypass standard security controls.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations running RunCMS 1.4.1 systems, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands remotely without requiring authentication. The implications include unauthorized data access, data modification, and potential system compromise. Attackers could leverage these injection points to extract sensitive user information, modify user permissions, or even escalate privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The attack surface is further expanded because these parameters are commonly used in user interactions and session management, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to address this vulnerability. The primary defense mechanism involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping techniques and implementing prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also consider applying the latest security patches provided by RunCMS developers and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with ATT&CK techniques such as T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol and T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network security controls and regular vulnerability assessments.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the overall security posture of web applications built on similar architectures. It highlights the critical importance of input validation in web development practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to catastrophic security breaches. Organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar injection vulnerabilities in other components and establish robust security testing procedures including automated scanning and manual penetration testing. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping CMS platforms updated with the latest security patches, as many of these issues are addressed through vendor-provided updates and security releases.