CVE-2006-7150 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Mambo 4.6.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mcname parameter to (1) moscomment.php and (2) com_comment.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7150 represents a critical security flaw in Mambo 4.6.x content management systems that exposes the platform to remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability affects two specific files within the Mambo ecosystem: moscomment.php and com_comment.php, both of which handle user comment submissions and processing. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the mcname parameter, which is used to store user-provided data when submitting comments to the system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious SQL payloads that bypass the application's security controls and directly manipulate the underlying database through the comment submission interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. When the mcname parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, the application constructs SQL queries that concatenate user input directly into database commands. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can alter the intended query execution path, potentially enabling data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core comment functionality that is typically accessible to all users, making exploitation relatively straightforward and widespread.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using Mambo 4.6.x systems as it provides attackers with direct access to the underlying database infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can manipulate user accounts, modify content, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the system. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on user-generated content and comment systems, making it a common target for automated exploitation tools that scan for known SQL injection patterns in popular CMS platforms.
The exploitation of CVE-2006-7150 follows typical ATT&CK techniques categorized under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation controls and parameterized queries to prevent such attacks. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected Mambo installations, implementation of web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. Additionally, organizations should establish proper database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database activities that may indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against SQL injection attacks that remain prevalent in modern web applications despite decades of awareness and mitigation efforts.