CVE-2006-0755 in dotProject
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file include vulnerabilities in dotProject 2.0.1 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the baseDir parameter in (1) db_adodb.php, (2) db_connect.php, (3) session.php, (4) vw_usr_roles.php, (5) calendar.php, (6) date_format.php, and (7) tasks/gantt.php; and the dPconfig[root_dir] parameter in (8) projects/gantt.php, (9) gantt2.php, and (10) vw_files.php. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, stating that the product documentation clearly recommends that the system administrator disable register_globals, and that the check.php script warns against this setting. Also, the vendor says that the protection.php/siteurl vector is incorrect because protection.php does not exist in the product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0755 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting dotProject version 2.0.1 and earlier. This issue stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied parameters within multiple PHP scripts, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled alongside insecure parameter handling in various application components. The affected files include core database connection scripts like db_adodb.php and db_connect.php, session management components such as session.php, and various view files including vw_usr_roles.php, calendar.php, and date_format.php, along with task management and gantt chart functionality in tasks/gantt.php. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to project management components in projects/gantt.php, gantt2.php, and vw_files.php through the dPconfig[root_dir] parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when register_globals is enabled in the PHP configuration, which automatically creates global variables from request parameters. Attackers can manipulate the baseDir parameter in the listed PHP files to inject malicious file paths that get included and executed. This creates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector where attacker-controlled content is incorporated into the application's execution flow. The flaw operates at the application level and leverages the insecure handling of user input through the include() or require() functions, which process the attacker-controlled baseDir parameter directly without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the attack surface and making it more difficult to fully mitigate. According to CWE-98, this corresponds to improper control of generation of code, specifically related to the inclusion of files based on user-supplied input without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected systems. Remote attackers could gain complete control over the web server running dotProject, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify application functionality, and potentially escalate privileges to the system level. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate the application's behavior through the inclusion of malicious files. This could result in data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of application integrity. The vendor's stance that this issue is disputed may be misleading, as the vulnerability remains exploitable when register_globals is enabled, which represents a dangerous configuration that should never be used in production environments. The warning mechanisms mentioned by the vendor in check.php and the documentation recommendations to disable register_globals are standard security practices that should be followed regardless of vendor positions on specific vulnerabilities.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediately disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which effectively neutralizes the attack vector by preventing automatic creation of global variables from request parameters. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. The application should be upgraded to a newer version of dotProject that addresses these vulnerabilities through proper parameter handling and input validation. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, network segmentation, and regular security audits can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent suspicious inclusion patterns. According to ATT&CK technique T1190, this vulnerability maps to the exploitation of remote services through the use of insecure input handling, while the broader threat model aligns with T1059 for command and script injection. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and the defense-in-depth strategy, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.