CVE-2006-1503 in Virtual War
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions_install.php in Virtual War (VWar) 1.5.0 R11 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the vwar_root parameter. NOTE: this is a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-1636.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1503 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Virtual War version 1.5.0 R11 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides within the includes/functions_install.php file and specifically targets the vwar_root parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious PHP code. The flaw fundamentally stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as part of the file inclusion chain. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an input vector, specifically in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. The security implications are severe as this allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the vwar_root parameter to point to a remote malicious PHP file hosted on an external server. The application fails to validate or sanitize the input, allowing the malicious URL to be directly included and executed within the context of the web application. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute shell commands, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level, bypassing traditional network-based security controls that might protect against direct code execution attempts. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, and maintain persistent access to the compromised infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to deploy additional malware, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially exposes underlying system resources and data stores that the application may have access to. Organizations running affected versions of Virtual War face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling architecture that requires immediate attention. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching of the affected software, implementation of input validation controls, and deployment of web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within their application portfolios and establish robust secure coding practices to prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.