CVE-2006-1653 in AngelineCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in loadkernel.php in AngelineCMS 0.8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the installPath parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1653 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the AngelineCMS 0.8.1 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the loadkernel.php script which fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. The specific parameter at risk is installPath, which when manipulated by an attacker can lead to arbitrary code execution on the target server. The flaw stems from the application's insecure handling of dynamic includes, where user-supplied URLs are directly processed without adequate sanitization or validation measures. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation in dynamic code loading scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server running AngelineCMS. An attacker can leverage this weakness to upload and execute malicious payloads, potentially escalating privileges, stealing sensitive data, or using the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage known vulnerabilities in publicly accessible applications to gain initial access to target systems. The attack chain typically involves identifying the vulnerable parameter, crafting a malicious URL payload, and then triggering the inclusion of the attacker-controlled resource to execute arbitrary PHP code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1653 must address both the immediate security gap and prevent similar issues in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should utilize allowlists of approved values rather than accepting arbitrary input, and any dynamic include operations should be strictly validated against known good paths. Additionally, the PHP configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion features using the allow_url_include directive set to off. Organizations should also implement proper web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting known vulnerability patterns. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of AngelineCMS or migrating to a more secure content management system. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy systems and poorly configured applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire web infrastructures.