CVE-2006-1610 in SQuery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/armygame.php in SQuery 4.5 and earlier, as used in products such as Autonomous LAN party (ALP), allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the libpath parameter. NOTE: this only occurs when register_globals is disabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1610 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that existed within the SQuery 4.5 and earlier versions of the Autonomous LAN party (ALP) software suite. This vulnerability specifically affects the armygame.php library file located within the lib directory structure of the application. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the libpath parameter without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a specific server configuration where register_globals is disabled, which adds a layer of complexity to the attack vector while still maintaining significant security implications.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes the weakness of argument injection or modification, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The attack technique aligns with ATT&CK tactics including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through PHP-based attacks. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the application's include path mechanism, potentially enabling them to load and execute malicious PHP scripts from remote servers, thereby compromising the entire web application infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over the affected web server environment. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables remote code execution that can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network. The requirement for register_globals to be disabled actually makes the exploitation more complex but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers can still leverage other injection vectors or find alternative methods to achieve their objectives. The vulnerability affects not just the SQuery application but also any other software products that utilize the vulnerable version of the Autonomous LAN party framework.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the affected SQuery versions to 4.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Administrators should also implement strict input validation measures, particularly for parameters that control file inclusion operations, and disable unnecessary PHP features like register_globals at the server level. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly in handling user-supplied input that influences program execution paths, and demonstrates why proper parameter validation and input sanitization should be fundamental components of all web application development processes.