CVE-2006-0945 in Weblog
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file include vulnerability in admin/index.php in Archangel Weblog 0.90.02 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL ending in a NULL (%00) in the index parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0945 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Archangel Weblog 0.90.02 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface component located in the admin/index.php file, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle maliciously crafted URLs containing NULL byte sequences.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability where an attacker with administrative credentials can manipulate the index parameter to include a URL that terminates with a NULL byte character sequence %00. This NULL byte injection technique exploits the way PHP processes file inclusion parameters, allowing attackers to bypass normal file path validation checks. When the application processes this malformed input, the NULL byte effectively truncates the file path, enabling the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled locations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload and inclusion practices, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses improper control of generation of code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides authenticated administrators with the capability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This means that an attacker who has already gained administrative access can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges further, potentially gaining full system control. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate administrative function into a code execution vector, allowing attackers to upload and execute malicious scripts, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. From an attack chain perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP, and T1505.003 for web shell deployment, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Archangel Weblog application to version 0.90.03 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization measures at the application level, including strict validation of all file inclusion parameters and removal of NULL byte characters from user-supplied input. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing NULL byte sequences. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of administrative interfaces can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in PHP applications, emphasizing the need for proper parameter validation and the avoidance of direct user input in file inclusion operations. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of similar applications to identify and remediate comparable weaknesses in their web applications.