CVE-2006-1013 in SMartBlog
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file include vulnerability in index.php in SMartBlog (aka SMBlog) 1.2 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files via (1) the pg parameter and (2) a query string without a parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1013 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the SMartBlog (SMBlog) 1.2 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the index.php script and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous web applications over the years. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating specific parameters, making it a serious threat to web server security and potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of user-supplied input in the pg parameter and query string processing, creating an attack surface that can be exploited without authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the PHP application. When the application processes the pg parameter or query string without adequate sanitization, it allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code directly on the web server. This type of vulnerability is categorized as a remote code execution (RCE) flaw that falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more broadly relates to CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')." The vulnerability operates by treating user input as executable code rather than as data, which is a fundamental principle of secure programming that must be enforced through proper input validation and output encoding.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations running affected versions of SMartBlog. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious scripts, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the web server, stealing sensitive data, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system for botnet activities. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the web application. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1505.003 for "Server Software Component: Web Shell," indicating the potential for post-exploitation activities once the initial compromise is achieved.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected SMartBlog version, as well as implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and that the application does not directly execute code based on parameter values. Implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection layers. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches for all web applications and server components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.