CVE-2006-5513 in opensource
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in GeoNetwork opensource before 2.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, and complete a login, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2006-5513 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in GeoNetwork opensource versions prior to 2.0.3, presenting a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this geographic data management platform. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially compromising the entire system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's database interaction components, allowing malicious actors to manipulate SQL query structures through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that likely involve user-supplied input fields within the GeoNetwork interface. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software applications that process untrusted data in SQL queries. The attack vector typically involves manipulating form inputs, URL parameters, or API endpoints that interface with the database layer, ultimately allowing attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the database user.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5513 extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables complete system compromise through unauthorized login access. Successful exploitation can result in data exfiltration, database corruption, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations running vulnerable versions of GeoNetwork face significant risks including exposure of sensitive geographic information, modification of critical spatial data, and potential disruption of services that depend on accurate geospatial information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate patch deployment to GeoNetwork versions 2.0.3 and later, which contain the necessary security fixes for input validation and SQL query sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering, parameterized queries, and proper database access controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the GeoNetwork application, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous database activity. The remediation process should also include thorough security testing of all input handling components and implementation of principle of least privilege for database connections to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles.