CVE-2006-6754 in Ixprim
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Ixprim 1.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the story_id parameter to ixm_ixpnews.php, and unspecified other vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6754 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Ixprim 1.2 content management system that exposes multiple attack vectors for remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the story_id parameter in the ixm_ixpnews.php script, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can compromise the underlying database system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, creating an exploitable pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data from the story_id parameter is concatenated directly into SQL queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This design flaw enables attackers to craft malicious input that can alter the intended execution flow of database commands, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative operations on the database server itself.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including personal information, credentials, and system configuration details stored within the database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of remote services through injection attacks, and T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in web applications. Organizations utilizing Ixprim 1.2 or similar legacy systems face significant risk exposure, particularly when these systems are connected to production databases containing sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system highlights the need for comprehensive security testing and code review practices, especially for applications handling user input that is subsequently processed in database contexts. Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper error handling to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.
Recommended mitigation strategies include implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, adopting parameterized database queries to prevent SQL injection, and applying the principle of least privilege to database accounts used by the application. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices, as legacy systems often contain unpatched vulnerabilities that can be exploited by threat actors. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and logging mechanisms can aid in detecting and responding to exploitation attempts while providing valuable forensic data for incident response activities.