CVE-2006-0147 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
Dynamic code evaluation vulnerability in tests/tmssql.php test script in ADOdb for PHP before 4.70, as used in multiple products including (1) Mantis, (2) PostNuke, (3) Moodle, (4) Cacti, (5) Xaraya, (6) PhpOpenChat, possibly (7) MAXdev MD-Pro, and (8) Simplog, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP functions via the do parameter, which is saved in a variable that is then executed as a function, as demonstrated using phpinfo.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The CVE-2006-0147 vulnerability represents a critical dynamic code evaluation flaw in ADOdb for PHP versions prior to 4.70, affecting numerous widely-used web applications across multiple software ecosystems. This vulnerability exists within the tests/tmssql.php test script where user-controllable input is processed without proper sanitization or validation, creating a path for remote code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when the do parameter is passed through the application, as this parameter gets stored in a variable that is subsequently executed as a PHP function, fundamentally bypassing normal execution boundaries and allowing attackers to leverage the application's PHP runtime environment for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to dynamic function calls with user-supplied data. This weakness operates at the intersection of input validation failures and dynamic code execution mechanisms, where the application accepts external input and directly evaluates it as executable code without sufficient sanitization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, demonstrating how attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP functions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to leverage legitimate application functionality to execute malicious code, making detection more challenging and the attack surface more extensive.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-0147 extends across multiple vulnerable applications including Mantis bug tracking systems, PostNuke content management platforms, Moodle learning management systems, Cacti network monitoring tools, Xaraya web application frameworks, and PhpOpenChat instant messaging systems. This widespread impact occurs because ADOdb serves as a database abstraction layer used by these applications, meaning that exploitation of this vulnerability in one application potentially affects the entire ecosystem. The demonstration using phpinfo() function shows that attackers can execute any PHP function available on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter without requiring prior access credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0147 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to ADOdb version 4.70 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of the do parameter. Organizations should implement comprehensive application security measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper output encoding, and the principle of least privilege for application users. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist in the application stack. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around dynamic code evaluation, which should be avoided whenever possible or properly validated when absolutely necessary. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches across all applications and their dependencies remains crucial for preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities like this one.