CVE-2006-6524 in HR Assist
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in vdateUsr.asp in EzHRS HR Assist 1.05 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Uname (UserName) parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The CVE-2006-6524 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in EzHRS HR Assist version 1.05 and earlier, specifically within the vdateUsr.asp component. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation of the Uname parameter, which is used for username authentication. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized data access and manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the Uname parameter in the vdateUsr.asp script. Without proper input validation or parameterized queries, the application directly concatenates user input into sql statements, enabling attackers to alter the intended query execution flow. This allows for commands such as union selects, stored procedure calls, or direct database commands to be executed with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a classic example of unsafe sql query construction where user-controllable data is not properly escaped or parameterized. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6524 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive human resources information including employee records, salary data, and personal identification details. The vulnerability affects organizations using EzHRS HR Assist versions prior to 1.05, making them susceptible to unauthorized database access and potential system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications. This vulnerability can facilitate broader attacks within the network infrastructure, as database access often provides pathways to other internal systems and applications that may share the same database credentials. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many hr systems contain privileged information that can be leveraged for social engineering or lateral movement attacks, aligning with techniques documented in the attack mitigation framework.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper database access controls. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to EzHRS HR Assist version 1.06 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and sql injection protection mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and establish secure coding practices that align with industry standards including owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework guidelines. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction in preventing database injection attacks, which remain among the most prevalent and dangerous security threats in web applications.