CVE-2006-5508 in Burning Book
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in addentry.php in WoltLab Burning Book 1.1.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the n parameter and (2) the User-Agent HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5508 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WoltLab Burning Book 1.1.2 web application, specifically affecting the addentry.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides multiple entry points for potential attackers to exploit. The first vector involves the n parameter, while the second vector utilizes the User-Agent HTTP header, demonstrating the application's susceptibility to injection attacks through both conventional form parameters and HTTP request headers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user input before executing database operations. When the addentry.php script processes the n parameter or parses the User-Agent header, it directly incorporates these values into SQL query strings without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This design flaw creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially crafted payloads that manipulate the intended database query structure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even administrative commands depending on the database privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5508 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected database system. Remote attackers could extract sensitive user information, modify content, or potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The use of the User-Agent header as an attack vector adds another layer of complexity as it can be manipulated through standard HTTP client tools or automated scanning utilities, making the vulnerability easier to discover and exploit. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications following the OWASP Top Ten security risks, specifically addressing injection flaws that remain among the most prevalent and dangerous vulnerabilities in web applications. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects a content management system component, potentially allowing attackers to modify or deface web content while simultaneously gaining access to user credentials and other sensitive data stored in the database.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query execution practices. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters before processing user data, particularly in HTTP headers and form parameters. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to parameterized queries or stored procedures that separate SQL code from data. Security measures should include implementing proper access controls and database privilege management to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide an additional layer of protection by monitoring for suspicious SQL patterns in HTTP requests. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security testing including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis to identify similar injection vulnerabilities in other components. Regular security updates and patches should be implemented as soon as vendor-provided fixes become available to prevent exploitation of this known vulnerability.