CVE-2006-1563 in VBook
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in config.php in vscripts (aka Kuba Kunkiewicz) [V]Book (aka VBook) 2.0 allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code into the config file, which is included other [V]Book scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1563 represents a critical direct static code injection flaw within the vscripts component of VBook 2.0, a web-based application developed by Kuba Kunkiewicz. This vulnerability specifically targets the config.php file which serves as a central configuration point for the application and is subsequently included by other VBook scripts. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code directly into the configuration file. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code, and falls within the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that have been consistently identified as high-risk threats in cybersecurity assessments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote administrators with access to the application's configuration interface can manipulate input fields that are directly written to the config.php file without proper sanitization. Since this configuration file is included by other scripts within the VBook application, any PHP code injected into config.php gets executed in the context of the web server, providing attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers 'Input Validation' and 'Code Injection' tactics, and demonstrates how configuration management flaws can create persistent backdoors within web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1563 is substantial as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server hosting VBook 2.0 applications. Once exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further lateral movement within the network. The static nature of the code injection means that the malicious code remains persistent across application restarts, as it is stored directly in the configuration file that is included by other scripts. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for long-term compromise and allows attackers to establish more sophisticated attack vectors including the installation of web shells or backdoors. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of input validation and secure coding practices that are recommended by industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the VBook 2.0 application to address the input validation deficiencies in the config.php handling. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization mechanisms that prevent PHP code injection attempts, including the use of allowlists for configuration parameters and proper escaping of special characters. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that configuration files are not writable by web server processes, and that file permissions are properly configured to restrict access. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious activities related to configuration file modifications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper code review processes and static analysis tools that can identify similar injection vulnerabilities in web applications, as well as regular security assessments to ensure that configuration management practices meet established security standards.