CVE-2006-0076 in oaBoard
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file include vulnerability in forum.php in oaBoard 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the inc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0076 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the oaBoard 1.0 forum software, specifically within the forum.php script. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately filter user-supplied data before using it in dynamic file inclusion operations. The issue manifests when the application accepts a URL parameter named 'inc' without sufficient validation, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths that are subsequently processed by the PHP interpreter. This flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where user-controllable input is used to determine which file to include, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of insecure programming practices and inadequate security controls, enabling attackers to leverage legitimate application functionality for malicious purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious URLs containing PHP code or references to remote files, which are then passed to the inc parameter in the forum.php script. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, it executes the included content as PHP code, effectively granting attackers remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. The flaw operates through the PHP include or require functions, which are designed to dynamically load and execute external files, but become dangerous when user input is directly incorporated into the file path without proper validation. This vulnerability type falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various scripting languages including PHP. The attack vector typically involves sending a specially crafted HTTP request that includes the malicious URL in the inc parameter, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with comprehensive control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables attackers to upload and execute malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire forum application, as attackers can access sensitive data, modify content, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative access. Organizations running oaBoard 1.0 are particularly vulnerable since this flaw allows for the execution of arbitrary PHP code without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity threat that can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected application. The vulnerability also impacts the availability of the service, as attackers can potentially cause system instability or denial of service through malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0076 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization controls to prevent malicious input from reaching the file inclusion functions. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URLs or file paths that could lead to remote file inclusion. Organizations should disable the use of remote file inclusion in PHP applications by setting the allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include directives to off in php.ini configuration files. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, input filtering, and output encoding can prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of oaBoard 1.0 or migrating to a more secure forum platform that properly validates user input. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious patterns in URL parameters, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to vulnerable applications, reducing the attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, which specifically addresses the dangers of insecure file inclusion mechanisms in web applications.