CVE-2006-5398 in Simplog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in comments.php in Simplog 0.9.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5398 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Simplog blogging platform version 0.9.3.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the comments.php script which processes user comments and handles comment identifiers through the cid parameter. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's database interaction layer, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper escaping or parameterization. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value through the cid parameter in the comments.php script. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine. This injection can occur through various techniques including union-based attacks, boolean-based blind SQL injection, or error-based exploitation methods. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations such as reading sensitive information, modifying or deleting records, and potentially gaining administrative privileges within the database system. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability exists in a web application that likely handles user-generated content, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve persistent access and control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract user credentials, personal information, and application configuration data. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment, potentially enabling them to execute operating system commands or access other systems within the network infrastructure. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for exploitation of remote services, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that allow for database access. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Simplog is a blogging platform that may contain sensitive user information, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit the system for financial gain or data theft.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the application. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database interaction. This includes implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries throughout the application, particularly in the comments.php script where the vulnerability was identified. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database permissions, limiting the database user account's privileges to only those required for application functionality. Additional security measures include implementing web application firewalls, input filtering mechanisms, and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the codebase. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in database access, as well as the necessity of regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate security flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.