CVE-2006-6152 in Classified System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in vSpin.net Classified System 2004 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cat parameter to (a) cat.asp, or the (2) keyword, (3) order, (4) sort, (5) menuSelect, or (6) state parameter to (b) search.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6152 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the vSpin.net Classified System 2004, a web-based advertising platform that was widely deployed in the early 2000s for classified listings and business directory services. This vulnerability resides in the system's handling of user-supplied input parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The affected components include the cat.asp page where the cat parameter is processed, and the search.asp page where multiple parameters including keyword, order, sort, menuSelect, and state are susceptible to manipulation. These parameters are typically used to filter and sort classified listings based on user preferences, making them prime targets for exploitation by malicious actors seeking unauthorized database access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the injection of malicious SQL commands via the vulnerable parameters, allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary database operations. When the web application processes these parameters in the SQL query construction, the injected commands are executed with the privileges of the database user account used by the web application. This creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it operates entirely through HTTP requests, requiring no local system access or specialized tools beyond standard web browsing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Successful exploitation could result in the exposure of sensitive user information including personal details, contact information, and classified listing data that the system was designed to protect. Attackers could also modify or delete critical database entries, disrupting the classified system's functionality and potentially causing financial losses for businesses relying on the platform. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that did not implement proper network segmentation or application firewalls. This vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071 for application layer protocol usage, as it leverages standard web protocols to achieve database access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected application components. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL command structure from user input data, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended query execution. Additionally, implementing input sanitization routines that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing can prevent injection attacks. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting known vulnerable parameters. The system should be updated to the latest available version of vSpin.net Classified System or replaced with a more secure alternative, as this vulnerability was likely patched in subsequent releases. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit database access to only necessary application components, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other legacy applications that may be using outdated database interaction patterns.