CVE-2006-5765 in Article Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in rss.php in Article Script 1.6.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5765 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Article Script 1.6.3 and earlier versions, specifically affecting the rss.php component. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental security weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql command construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The affected rss.php script processes user input through the category parameter, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate the sql query execution flow by injecting malicious sql code through this input field.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit specially crafted sql injection payloads through the category parameter in the rss.php script. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the application code, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without adequate escaping or parameter binding mechanisms. When the application processes this malicious input, the sql injection payload gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to retrieve, modify, or delete database contents, execute administrative operations, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables arbitrary sql command execution, which can result in complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with extensive control over the affected database system. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, unauthorized modification of content, potential service disruption, and in severe cases, complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using Article Script versions 1.6.3 or earlier, making it a significant concern for web applications that rely on this content management system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals. This vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, specifically representing a form of database injection that can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK framework's database access and data extraction techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5765 should prioritize immediate patching of the Article Script to version 1.6.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while comprehensive monitoring and logging should be implemented to detect unauthorized database access attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection attacks that remain prevalent in modern web applications.