CVE-2006-1607 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the banner module in Exponent CMS before 0.96.5 RC 1 allows "php injection" via unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1607 resides within the banner module of Exponent CMS version 0.96.4 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that permits php injection attacks through unspecified attack vectors. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of code injection flaws, which are categorized as CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically encompassing the execution of arbitrary code through improper input validation. The banner module in Exponent CMS serves as a component for managing and displaying promotional content, making it a potential entry point for attackers seeking to execute malicious php code within the web application environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject php code into the banner module functionality, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the CMS. This injection capability could arise from insufficient sanitization of user inputs or improper handling of dynamic content generation within the banner module. Attackers might exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted requests or data inputs that bypass validation mechanisms, thereby allowing php code execution within the context of the web application. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple methods including but not limited to parameter manipulation, file upload flaws, or direct injection into configuration parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server or application. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of content, execution of malicious commands, and potential compromise of the entire web infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems running Exponent CMS versions prior to 0.96.5 RC 1, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their installations. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," which represents how adversaries use php injection to execute commands on compromised systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Exponent CMS version 0.96.5 RC 1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the php injection flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the banner module can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in banner module usage, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel can modify banner content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper code review practices, particularly for modules handling user-supplied data, as outlined in industry best practices for web application security and the OWASP Top Ten security risks.