CVE-2006-4852 in Q-Shop
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in browse.asp in QuadComm Q-Shop 3.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the OrderBy parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4852 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the QuadComm Q-Shop 3.5 e-commerce platform, specifically affecting the browse.asp component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the OrderBy parameter, which is commonly used to sort database query results. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration, which categorizes this as a persistent and severe flaw that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the OrderBy parameter in the browse.asp script. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an opening for attackers to manipulate the database execution flow. When the application processes the OrderBy parameter without adequate input filtering, it directly concatenates user-supplied data into SQL command strings, enabling attackers to inject additional SQL statements that execute with the privileges of the database user account. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, where attackers may leverage database access for further reconnaissance and privilege escalation, though the specific attack vector here involves direct SQL command injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete database manipulation including data extraction, modification, or deletion. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the database, extract sensitive customer information, modify product listings, or even compromise the entire application environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, making it particularly dangerous for e-commerce platforms that handle sensitive financial and personal data. Given that this was a vulnerability in a commercial e-commerce solution from 2006, it represents a classic example of how improper input validation can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications, often remaining undetected for extended periods due to the complexity of SQL injection attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries where all user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including whitelisting acceptable input values for the OrderBy parameter, would significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing database interactions, ensuring that applications do not execute SQL commands with elevated privileges and that all user inputs are properly validated before processing. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of why regular security assessments and code reviews are essential for maintaining secure software systems.