CVE-2006-6216 in Hacks List
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin_hacks_list.php in the Nivisec Hacks List 1.21 and earlier phpBB module allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the hack_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6216 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Nivisec Hacks List phpBB module version 1.21 and earlier. This security weakness exists in the admin_hacks_list.php file which serves as the administrative interface for managing hacks within the phpBB forum platform. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the hack_id parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the phpBB module's administrative component. When administrators access the hacks list management interface, the hack_id parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is embedded into sql commands without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that alters the intended sql query execution flow, potentially allowing them to extract, modify, or delete sensitive database information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected system. This level of access enables attackers to escalate their privileges within the database environment, potentially gaining access to user credentials, forum configurations, and other sensitive information stored within the phpBB installation. The vulnerability affects the entire administrative functionality of the module, making it particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to completely compromise the forum's administrative capabilities and potentially the underlying server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6216 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Nivisec Hacks List module to version 1.22 or later where the sql injection vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement proper input validation measures including parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. The use of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional protective layers. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their phpBB installations to identify and remediate other potential sql injection vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code and gain unauthorized access to systems.