CVE-2006-1576 in QLnews
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in QLnews 1.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying config.php.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1576 represents a critical direct static code injection flaw within QLnews 1.2 software that specifically targets authenticated administrative users. This vulnerability exists in the configuration management system where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input modifications to the config.php file, creating an avenue for malicious code execution. The flaw is classified as a direct static code injection vulnerability which allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code directly within the application's runtime environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated administrator modifies the config.php file through the application's administrative interface. The software does not perform adequate input validation or sanitization checks on the configuration parameters being modified, enabling an attacker to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed within the context of the web server process. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands, and specifically relates to the CWE-74 category of injection flaws where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into code without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote authenticated administrators with the capability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This essentially grants attackers complete control over the web application and potentially the underlying server, enabling them to perform actions such as data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrative authentication, which is often considered a trusted level of access within web applications, making it easier for attackers to gain access through social engineering or credential theft attacks.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves an authenticated administrator performing configuration modifications through the legitimate administrative interface. Attackers can leverage this by either obtaining valid administrative credentials through various means or by exploiting other vulnerabilities that lead to administrative access. Once access is obtained, the attacker modifies the config.php file to include malicious PHP code that gets executed during subsequent application operations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where administrative credentials are not properly secured or where the administrative interface lacks proper security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for all configuration file modifications. The application should employ strict validation of all input parameters, including the use of allowlists for configuration values and proper escaping of special characters. Additionally, the application should implement proper file permission controls to prevent unauthorized modification of critical configuration files. Security measures should include regular security audits of configuration management systems and the implementation of automated monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that administrative access is properly controlled and monitored, and that administrative interfaces are protected against common attack vectors such as cross-site scripting and injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user-supplied input and implementing proper access controls even for trusted administrative interfaces.