CVE-2006-6530 in Help Tip module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Help Tip module before 4.7.x-1.0 for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6530 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Help Tip module for the Drupal content management platform. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 4.7.x-1.0 and exposes systems to remote code execution through malicious sql commands. The flaw exists in the module's handling of user input without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate database queries. The Help Tip module, designed to provide contextual assistance within the drupal interface, becomes a vector for unauthorized database access when input validation is bypassed. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data stored within drupal installations that utilize this module.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Help Tip module's query construction process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly embedded into sql statements without adequate escaping or parameterization. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple entry points within the module could be leveraged for injection attacks, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may not be easily predictable. This flaw aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-89, which categorizes sql injection as a persistent security issue where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under attack technique t1190 in the attack tree framework, representing exploitation of sql injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6530 extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can potentially gain complete control over affected database systems. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands, which could lead to data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even system compromise. Organizations running vulnerable drupal installations face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability can result in widespread data compromise across multiple websites that share the same vulnerable module, potentially affecting thousands of users and their personal information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate patching and module updates to version 4.7.x-1.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the Help Tip module within their drupal installations and ensure all affected systems receive the appropriate updates. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and parameterized queries in application code can provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to administrative interfaces, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate sql injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party modules and following secure coding practices that prevent sql injection through proper input sanitization and query parameterization. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.