CVE-2006-1149 in OWL Intranet Engine
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/OWL_API.php in OWL Intranet Engine 0.82, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a URL in the xrms_file_root parameter, which is not initialized before use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The CVE-2006-1149 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the OWL Intranet Engine version 0.82 that leverages the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive and improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the lib/OWL_API.php file where the xrms_file_root parameter is processed without proper initialization, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject malicious file paths. The flaw specifically manifests when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, a deprecated and insecure setting that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables, fundamentally undermining application security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the xrms_file_root parameter in HTTP requests, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that get included by the vulnerable application. When register_globals is enabled, user-supplied input from the URL gets automatically converted into global variables, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The lack of proper initialization of the xrms_file_root parameter means that the application does not properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating a direct path for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when attackers can control the included files. An attacker could potentially load malicious PHP scripts from remote servers, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous in intranet environments where the OWL Intranet Engine is deployed. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1149 must address both the immediate vulnerability and the underlying architectural issues. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which should be done immediately as it represents a fundamental security misconfiguration. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, ensuring all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation before being used in file operations. The application code should initialize all variables explicitly and implement whitelisting mechanisms for file inclusion paths. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules to detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should focus on identifying similar patterns where user input directly influences file inclusion operations, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy applications and represents a classic example of insecure programming practices that continue to affect modern systems.