CVE-2006-5388 in WebSPELL
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in WebSPELL 4.01.01 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the getsquad parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-4783.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5388 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WebSPELL content management system version 4.01.01 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file and exploits the getsquad parameter to allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw demonstrates the classic pattern of SQL injection attacks where user input is directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Unlike CVE-2006-4783 which targeted different attack vectors, this vulnerability focuses on the getsquad parameter, making it a distinct but equally dangerous exploitation path within the WebSPELL framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the WebSPELL application code. When the getsquad parameter is processed in index.php, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that gets executed by the underlying database engine, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input directly without proper security controls. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly included in SQL commands.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to WebSPELL installations as it enables remote code execution capabilities through database manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete content, escalate privileges, or potentially gain access to underlying server resources. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access or use the compromised system as a stepping stone for further network attacks. Organizations running affected WebSPELL versions face potential exposure to data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces for data exfiltration and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5388 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WebSPELL installations to the latest available versions that address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterization techniques to prevent similar issues in the future, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database interaction. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protective layers against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across the entire application stack, particularly focusing on areas where user input directly influences database operations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all web applications in production environments.