CVE-2006-0881 in Noahs Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file include vulnerabilities in gorum/gorumlib.php in Noah s Classifieds 1.3, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include arbitrary PHP files via the (1) upperTemplate and (2) lowerTemplate parameters, as demonstrated using the lowerTemplate parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0881 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Noah s Classifieds 1.3 web application, specifically affecting the gorum/gorumlib.php component. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental security weakness that occurs when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be directly incorporated into the application's execution flow. The flaw manifests through two distinct parameter injection points: upperTemplate and lowerTemplate, which are processed within the gorumlib.php file and subsequently passed to the index.php script, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted remote requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP parameters that are directly used in PHP include or require statements without proper input validation or sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, effectively merging user-supplied parameters with the application's variable namespace. Attackers can leverage this by crafting malicious URLs that include the upperTemplate or lowerTemplate parameters with crafted file paths or URLs, which are then processed by the vulnerable application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution through the inclusion of arbitrary PHP files, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious code on the target server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Noah s Classifieds application, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of application content, and establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute arbitrary commands, and gain full control over the web server hosting the vulnerable application. The risk is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications at scale.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive strategies to address both the immediate exploitation vectors and underlying architectural weaknesses. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals configuration option in PHP, which directly eliminates the core condition that enables this attack. Additionally, input validation and sanitization must be implemented at all entry points where user-supplied data is processed, particularly for template parameters. The application should employ whitelisting mechanisms for template selection, ensuring that only pre-approved template files can be included. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to eliminate direct parameter inclusion in file operations and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion without proper validation and sanitization.