CVE-2006-5622 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in picmgr.php in Coppermine Photo Gallery 1.4.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the aid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The CVE-2006-5622 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Coppermine Photo Gallery version 1.4.9 photo management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the picmgr.php script which handles administrative operations within the gallery platform. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the aid parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution flow. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user-supplied input is concatenated directly into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the aid parameter in the picmgr.php script to inject malicious sql payloads. This allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms, execute arbitrary database commands, and potentially gain full administrative control over the photo gallery system. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack pattern that aligns with CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data, modify database content, or even escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker could use this vulnerability to access user accounts, manipulate photo galleries, modify system configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors within the application environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire photo gallery system, potentially exposing personal user data, gallery metadata, and administrative credentials. Organizations running Coppermine Photo Gallery 1.4.9 are at significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to their digital media collections. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5622 require immediate action to address the underlying sql injection vulnerability. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, specifically utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Coppermine Photo Gallery where this vulnerability has been patched and properly addressed. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql query patterns and unauthorized administrative access attempts. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as those outlined in the mitre attack framework, particularly focusing on the execution and privilege escalation techniques that attackers might employ through sql injection vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and address similar weaknesses in the application codebase.