CVE-2006-7172 in php-stats
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in php-stats.recphp.php in PHP-Stats 0.1.9.1b and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a leading dotted-quad IP address string in the (1) PC-REMOTE-ADDR HTTP header, which is inserted into $_SERVER[ HTTP_PC_REMOTE_ADDR ], or (2) ip parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7172 represents a critical security flaw in PHP-Stats version 0.1.9.1b and earlier, exposing multiple SQL injection pathways that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the php-stats.recphp.php script where user-supplied input is improperly handled without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw manifests when the application processes HTTP headers and parameters, particularly the PC-REMOTE-ADDR header and ip parameter, which are directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize input values before incorporating them into SQL query constructions. When a malicious actor sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing a leading dotted-quad IP address string in the PC-REMOTE-ADDR header, the system stores this value in the $_SERVER[HTTP_PC_REMOTE_ADDR] variable and subsequently uses it within database queries. Similarly, the ip parameter is vulnerable to the same injection mechanism, creating two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same fundamental flaw in input handling. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which describes SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers can leverage the web application interface to execute their malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through software updates to PHP-Stats version 0.1.9.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection flaws. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious data from being processed by the application. The recommended approach includes implementing proper parameterized queries, input escaping, and output encoding to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Security administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications using outdated versions of PHP-Stats that may be similarly vulnerable. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate sanitization practices in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in database operations.