CVE-2006-1208 in PHP Upload Center
Summary
by MITRE
Sergey Korostel PHP Upload Center allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a file whose name ends in a .php.li extension, which can be accessed from the upload directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1208 resides within the Sergey Korostel PHP Upload Center application, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper file extension handling. This vulnerability stems from the application's inadequate validation of uploaded file extensions, specifically failing to properly sanitize filenames that contain the .php.li extension. The issue manifests when an attacker uploads a malicious file with this specific extension pattern, which the application incorrectly processes as a valid PHP file, thereby allowing execution of arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a path traversal and file extension manipulation attack vector that bypasses standard security measures. When a file ending in .php.li is uploaded to the application's upload directory, the system processes this filename through a flawed validation mechanism that does not adequately distinguish between legitimate and malicious file extensions. This flaw operates under CWE-434, which classifies improper file extension validation as a code injection vulnerability, allowing attackers to execute malicious PHP code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, attackers can access sensitive data, modify web content, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable version of the PHP Upload Center application, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or multi-tenant applications where multiple users might be affected. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level fix and broader security posture improvements. The primary remediation involves implementing strict file extension validation that rejects all extensions not explicitly whitelisted, including the problematic .php.li pattern. Organizations should also implement proper file name sanitization techniques that remove or encode potentially dangerous characters from uploaded filenames. Additional protective measures include configuring web server security modules to prevent execution of PHP files in upload directories, implementing proper file permissions that restrict execution rights, and establishing regular security audits of web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where proper sanitization of user-provided data can prevent a wide range of code execution attacks.