CVE-2006-1573 in MediaSlash Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in MediaSlash Gallery allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the rub parameter (part of the $page_menu variable).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1573 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the MediaSlash Gallery application that operates through a PHP script named index.php. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of user-supplied input within the rub parameter, which is part of the $page_menu variable structure. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's execution flow, potentially allowing full remote code execution on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the MediaSlash Gallery's parameter processing logic, creating an attack surface where external resources can be seamlessly integrated into the application's runtime environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the rub parameter of the index.php script. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it attempts to include and execute the remote PHP file specified in the URL. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of input sanitization and demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability pattern that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly under CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through remote code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system running the affected MediaSlash Gallery software. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, perform data exfiltration, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it provides attackers with direct access to execute commands and manipulate the application's functionality. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the ease of exploitation and the broad impact of successful attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1573 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the ability to include remote files through the rub parameter and ensure that all file inclusion operations use absolute paths with strict validation. The application should be updated to the latest version that contains patches addressing this vulnerability, or alternatively, implement proper parameter filtering and input validation at the application level. Security measures should include disabling php remote file inclusion features, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices that prevent similar issues in future development cycles, emphasizing the importance of input validation, proper error handling, and secure file operation practices as outlined in industry standards and best practices for web application security.