CVE-2006-0713 in LinPHA
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in LinPHA 1.0 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the (1) lang parameter in docs/index.php and the language parameter in (2) install/install.php, (3) install/sec_stage_install.php, (4) install/third_stage_install.php, and (5) install/forth_stage_install.php. NOTE: direct static code injection is resultant from this issue, as demonstrated by inserting PHP code into the username, which is inserted into linpha.log, which is accessible from the directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2019
The CVE-2006-0713 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in LinPHA version 1.0 that exposes multiple installation and documentation scripts to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability operates through the manipulation of dot-dot-slash sequences in parameter inputs, specifically targeting the lang parameter in docs/index.php and language parameters across multiple installation scripts including install/install.php, install/sec_stage_install.php, install/third_stage_install.php, and install/forth_stage_install.php. The flaw allows attackers to traverse directory structures and access arbitrary files on the server, creating a pathway for arbitrary code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the affected PHP scripts. When attackers provide malicious input containing .. sequences in the specified parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before using them in file inclusion operations. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability creates a chain reaction where attackers can not only traverse directories but also inject PHP code into log files, specifically linpha.log, which becomes accessible through the directory traversal mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it enables direct static code injection attacks that can compromise the entire application server. The demonstration of inserting PHP code into the username field, which gets logged to linpha.log, shows how attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the application context. This code injection capability transforms what might initially appear as a file traversal issue into a full remote code execution vulnerability, allowing attackers to potentially gain complete control over the affected system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects multiple installation stages, providing attackers with multiple opportunities to exploit the vulnerability during the software deployment process.
The implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of PHP for command and scripting interpreter execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious PHP code that executes with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further network compromise. The vulnerability's presence in installation scripts makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during the software deployment phase, potentially compromising systems before they are properly secured. Organizations should consider implementing input validation, proper file access controls, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of such directory traversal vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization across all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ proper path validation techniques to prevent directory traversal attempts, including canonicalization of file paths and rejection of any input containing .. sequences. Additionally, the web server configuration should be adjusted to restrict access to sensitive files and directories, while implementing proper file access controls that prevent arbitrary file access. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in application code. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as fundamental security controls that should be implemented throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such critical flaws from being introduced.