CVE-2006-4953 in Neon WebMail
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Neon WebMail for Java before 5.08 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) adr_sortkey and (2) adr_sortkey_desc parameters in the (a) addrlist servlet, and the (3) sortkey and (4) sortkey_desc parameters in the (b) maillist servlet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4953 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Neon WebMail for Java versions prior to 5.08. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user-supplied input within specific servlet parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. The flaw manifests in two distinct servlet components: the addrlist servlet and the maillist servlet, each processing different sets of parameters that are susceptible to malicious input manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the web application's database query construction logic. Attackers can exploit the adr_sortkey and adr_sortkey_desc parameters in the addrlist servlet, as well as the sortkey and sortkey_desc parameters in the maillist servlet, by injecting malicious SQL code through these input fields. When the application processes these parameters without proper sanitization, the injected SQL commands become part of the executed database queries, allowing unauthorized users to perform operations such as data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even administrative actions on the database system.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The operational impact of this flaw extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user information including email content, contact lists, and potentially system credentials. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. The attack vector enables adversaries to leverage the application's legitimate database access mechanisms to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration.
The security implications of CVE-2006-4953 align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations running affected versions of Neon WebMail for Java face significant risk of unauthorized database access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core application functionality related to address book management and email list sorting operations. Remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and input sanitization techniques. The most effective mitigation involves upgrading to Neon WebMail for Java version 5.08 or later, which includes proper parameter handling and SQL injection protection mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database access controls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.