CVE-2006-0786 in PHPKIT
Summary
by MITRE
Incomplete blacklist vulnerability in include.php in PHPKIT 1.6.1 Release 2 and earlier, with allow_url_fopen enabled, allows remote attackers to conduct PHP remote file include attacks via a path parameter that specifies a (1) UNC share or (2) ftps URL, which bypasses the check for "http://", "ftp://", and "https://" URLs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0786 represents a critical security flaw in PHPKIT 1.6.1 Release 2 and earlier versions that stems from an incomplete blacklist implementation in the include.php script. This weakness specifically manifests when the PHP configuration parameter allow_url_fopen is enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code through unauthorized remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to properly filter all potentially dangerous URL schemes, thereby allowing attackers to bypass existing security checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the flawed blacklist approach that only accounts for common web protocols such as http://, ftp://, and https:// while completely overlooking other dangerous URL schemes. Attackers can leverage this oversight by crafting malicious requests that utilize UNC shares or ftps URLs, which are not properly filtered by the application's validation logic. This incomplete filtering mechanism creates a security gap where remote code execution becomes possible through the include.php script, as the application fails to recognize that UNC paths and ftps URLs can also serve as vectors for remote file inclusion attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running affected PHPKIT versions, particularly when allow_url_fopen is enabled in the PHP configuration. The impact extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target server. The attack vector specifically targets the path parameter in include.php, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based interfaces without requiring direct system access. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling in web applications.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe and align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish a foothold in target systems through remote code execution, potentially leading to privilege escalation and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with the use of remote file inclusion techniques that are commonly exploited in web application attacks. Organizations utilizing affected PHPKIT versions must understand that this vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where systems are exposed to the internet without proper network segmentation or additional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of PHPKIT that properly implements URL validation, ensuring that all potentially dangerous URL schemes are filtered rather than relying on incomplete blacklists. Additionally, organizations should disable allow_url_fopen in PHP configurations when remote file inclusion is not explicitly required, as this parameter significantly reduces the attack surface. The implementation of proper input validation techniques that use allowlists instead of blacklists provides a more robust security posture. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar insecure coding practices that may exist in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.