CVE-2006-0684 in Virtual Hosting Control System
Summary
by MITRE
change_password.php in Virtual Hosting Control System (VHCS) 2.4.7.1 and earlier does not verify the old password when a user changes the password, which may allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0684 affects the Virtual Hosting Control System version 2.4.7.1 and earlier, specifically within the change_password.php component. This represents a critical authentication flaw that fundamentally undermines the security posture of the system by bypassing essential password verification mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the password change functionality where the system fails to validate the existing password before allowing a password modification, creating a significant pathway for unauthorized access attempts.
This flaw constitutes a classic authentication bypass vulnerability that aligns with CWE-305 authentication weakness, specifically manifesting as a failure to enforce proper authentication checks during password modification processes. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to exploit the system without requiring legitimate credentials, effectively removing the need for users to provide their current password to validate their identity before making changes. The absence of this verification step creates a direct attack vector that violates fundamental security principles governing credential management and access control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to assume control of user accounts without proper authorization. This weakness can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to the system. The vulnerability essentially allows for account takeover scenarios where malicious actors can change passwords to gain persistent access to user accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Such a flaw directly violates security principles established in the NIST SP 800-63 standard for authentication management.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core administrative functionality of the Virtual Hosting Control System, which typically manages critical hosting services and user accounts. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this platform. The flaw creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for extended periods without detection, potentially allowing attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or conduct further reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0684 must prioritize immediate patching of the affected Virtual Hosting Control System versions, as this represents the most effective solution to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized password change attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched system to ensure that proper password verification mechanisms are functioning correctly. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of authentication mechanisms across all system components to identify similar weaknesses that may exist in other parts of the infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and authentication checks, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's authentication tactics, particularly focusing on credential access and privilege escalation techniques that attackers can leverage through such flaws.