CVE-2006-4879 in PHP-Post
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in profile.php in David Bennett PHP-Post (PHPp) 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2022
The CVE-2006-4879 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the php-post 1.0 application developed by david bennett. This vulnerability specifically affects the profile.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the user parameter. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's data handling processes, making it susceptible to malicious sql command injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. When the user parameter is passed to the profile.php script, the application directly concatenates this input into database queries without adequate sanitization measures. This creates a scenario where an attacker can inject malicious sql payloads through the user parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector that operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected database server. This could result in complete database compromise, including data exfiltration, data modification, or even database destruction. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive user information, or manipulate the application's functionality to their advantage. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with internet access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the owasp top ten, specifically addressing the sql injection category that consistently ranks among the most critical web application security risks.
The vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cw 89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would map to the execution phase within the attack chain, potentially enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation. Organizations using vulnerable versions of php-post should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application firewalls. The recommended remediation approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, utilizing prepared statements with parameterized queries, and conducting comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.