CVE-2006-1105 in Pixelpost
Summary
by MITRE
Pixelpost 1.5 beta 1 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a direct request to includes/phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function. NOTE: the vendor has disputed some issues from the original disclosure, but due to the vagueness of the dispute, it is not clear whether the vendor is disputing this particular issue.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1105 affects Pixelpost version 1.5 beta 1 and earlier installations, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system configuration data to remote attackers. This issue arises from the improper handling of direct requests to the includes/phpinfo.php file within the application's directory structure, where the phpinfo function is executed without adequate access controls or authentication requirements. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by CWE-200, which encompasses weaknesses that allow unauthorized access to information that should be restricted. The phpinfo function in php environments is designed to display detailed information about the php configuration, including system settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive configuration parameters that could aid attackers in understanding the underlying system architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal effort from an attacker, as it involves simply making a direct HTTP request to the vulnerable phpinfo.php endpoint. This direct access pattern represents a fundamental flaw in the application's access control mechanisms, where the system fails to implement proper authentication or authorization checks before executing sensitive functions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and access control practices that are commonly addressed by the principle of least privilege, a core security concept that should be enforced through the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. When attackers can access phpinfo output, they gain insights into the php version, server configuration, loaded modules, and potentially sensitive environment variables that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the detailed configuration information obtained through phpinfo can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use the gathered information to identify potential weaknesses in the server environment, such as outdated php versions with known vulnerabilities, misconfigured security settings, or the presence of potentially dangerous extensions that could be exploited. This information disclosure vulnerability also aligns with CWE-489, which addresses the presence of debugging code or features in production environments that should not be accessible to unauthorized users. The exposure of system configuration details can enable attackers to tailor their exploitation strategies based on the specific php environment, server configuration, and installed modules, significantly increasing the effectiveness of subsequent attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate access control enforcement and the removal of debug functionality from production environments. Organizations should implement proper authentication mechanisms to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive configuration files and functions. The solution involves removing or securing access to the includes/phpinfo.php file through proper access controls, ensuring that such debugging features are not exposed in production deployments. This remediation approach aligns with the principle of defense in depth, where multiple layers of security controls are implemented to protect against various attack vectors. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remove any unintended access points or debug functionality that could expose system information to unauthorized users, as outlined in industry best practices for secure application development and maintenance.