CVE-2006-1382 in impex
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in impex/ImpExData.php in vBulletin ImpEx module 1.74, when register_globals is disabled, allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via the systempath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1382 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the vBulletin ImpEx module version 1.74. This security weakness specifically targets the impex/ImpExData.php script and exploits a fundamental misconfiguration in how the application handles user-supplied input when register_globals is disabled. The vulnerability operates through the systempath parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths into the application's execution flow. The context of this flaw is particularly concerning as it occurs in a widely deployed forum software platform, making it a prime target for exploitation by threat actors seeking to compromise web applications and their underlying infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ImpExData.php file. When register_globals is disabled, the application should properly validate and sanitize all user-provided parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. However, the systempath parameter in this version fails to adequately filter or validate external input, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that can be executed by the PHP interpreter. This represents a classic case of improper input validation that enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the broader category of CWE-22, "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')". The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and execute arbitrary code through the inclusion of remote files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve full system compromise through the exploitation of the remote file inclusion mechanism. When successfully exploited, attackers can include malicious files from remote servers, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" and T1078 for "Valid Accounts" as attackers often leverage such vulnerabilities to gain initial access and then escalate privileges. The widespread adoption of vBulletin platforms means that this vulnerability could affect numerous websites and organizations simultaneously, creating a significant attack surface that threat actors could exploit for mass compromise operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1382 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the official patch provided by vBulletin, which typically includes proper input validation and sanitization of the systempath parameter. Organizations should also implement strict input validation mechanisms that reject any non-numeric or non-expected string values for path parameters, and consider implementing a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other application components and ensure that all file inclusion operations properly validate and sanitize user input. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust security practices including input validation, privilege separation, and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.