CVE-2006-0791 in HostAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in DreamCost HostAdmin allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via the $path variable, which is not initialized before use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0791 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the DreamCost HostAdmin software's index.php component. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and variable handling within the application's code structure, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw specifically manifests when the $path variable is utilized without proper initialization, enabling attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack vector leverages the predictable nature of uninitialized variables to inject malicious file paths that the application then attempts to include and execute. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for system compromise as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application process, potentially leading to full system takeover. The implications extend beyond simple code execution, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the network environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction and can be exploited through standard web browser requests, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to gain access to systems, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces. The lack of proper input sanitization and variable initialization creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious file paths that bypass normal application security controls. Organizations utilizing DreamCost HostAdmin software face significant exposure risks as this vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly concerning for web applications that handle sensitive data or provide administrative functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious requests that manipulate the $path variable to point to attacker-controlled files. Attackers can leverage this by supplying URLs or file paths that, when processed by the application, result in the inclusion of malicious code from remote servers or local files. The uninitialized nature of the variable means that the application's default behavior becomes exploitable, as the system does not properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of input validation and variable initialization in preventing remote code execution attacks. The impact of successful exploitation includes complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-94 indicates that it involves the execution of code that is generated or influenced by user input, which is a fundamental security principle that must be addressed through proper input validation and secure coding practices. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability requires immediate patching or mitigation strategies to prevent exploitation, as the window of opportunity for attackers is significant given the ease of exploitation and the potential for automated scanning tools to identify vulnerable systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.
The remediation approach for CVE-2006-0791 requires immediate implementation of proper variable initialization and input validation mechanisms within the DreamCost HostAdmin application. System administrators should ensure that all variables, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, are properly initialized before use and validated against expected input patterns. The solution involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any input containing potentially dangerous characters or patterns, and ensuring that all file inclusion operations use whitelisting approaches rather than allowing arbitrary input. Security patches should be applied to update the application to versions that address this vulnerability, while organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security assessments to identify potential code-level vulnerabilities. Organizations should establish secure coding standards that mandate proper variable initialization and input validation, and implement automated code review processes to detect similar issues before they can be exploited. The incident also highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and monitoring for known vulnerabilities in third-party software components. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact, it is recommended that organizations conduct comprehensive security audits of their web applications to identify and remediate similar issues that may exist in other software components. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, making immediate remediation essential for maintaining operational security and protecting against potential data breaches or service disruptions.