CVE-2006-1602 in Phpnuke-clan
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions_common.php in the VWar Account module (vWar_Account) in PHPNuke Clan 3.0.1 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a URL in the vwar_root2 parameter. NOTE: it is possible that this issue stems from a problem in VWar itself, but this is not clear.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1602 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHPNuke Clan 3.0.1 content management system, specifically affecting the VWar Account module. This security weakness resides in the includes/functions_common.php file where the vwar_root2 parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be executed by the web application, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution and complete system compromise. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter validation that allows attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of user-supplied data within the vwar_root2 parameter. When the application processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the provided URL into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. This creates an environment where attackers can supply malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious code. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to the improper handling of dynamic code generation. The flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that require input validation and output encoding before processing user-supplied data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish persistent access, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and represents a common attack vector used by threat actors targeting web applications. Organizations running PHPNuke Clan 3.0.1 with the affected VWar module are particularly at risk as this vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it highly dangerous in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1602 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PHPNuke Clan version, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed, including the use of allowlists for acceptable parameter values. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious URL patterns in the vwar_root2 parameter. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit the exposure of vulnerable components. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security updates in maintaining application integrity.