CVE-2006-4715 in Vivvo Article Management CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in pdf_version.php in SpoonLabs Vivvo Article Management CMS (aka phpWordPress) 3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4715 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SpoonLabs Vivvo Article Management CMS, formerly known as phpWordPress, affecting versions 3.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the pdf_version.php script which processes user input through the id parameter, creating a dangerous pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in content management systems where database access is fundamental to content delivery and user management operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. When an attacker submits a crafted id parameter containing SQL payload, the application fails to sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries. This creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account used by the CMS. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack surface is particularly broad since the id parameter is likely used for content retrieval, making it a common entry point for database manipulation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, content databases, and system configurations. In a content management context, this could result in unauthorized content modification, complete database exposure, and potential privilege escalation to administrative functions. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations such as creating new user accounts, modifying existing content, or even deleting database records. Given that this affects a widely used CMS platform, the potential for widespread exploitation increases significantly, particularly in environments where proper security updates are not regularly applied. The vulnerability's age and the fact that it affects versions predating modern security practices make it especially concerning for legacy systems that may still be in production use.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of the Vivvo CMS, as version 3.3 and later releases address this specific vulnerability through improved input sanitization. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input filtering mechanisms, and regular security audits can provide layered protection against similar vulnerabilities. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that CMS applications use least-privilege accounts with minimal database permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack.