CVE-2006-1688 in SQuery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in SQuery 4.5 and earlier, as used in products such as Autonomous LAN party (ALP), allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the libpath parameter to scripts in the lib directory including (1) ase.php, (2) devi.php, (3) doom3.php, (4) et.php, (5) flashpoint.php, (6) gameSpy.php, (7) gameSpy2.php, (8) gore.php, (9) gsvari.php, (10) halo.php, (11) hlife.php, (12) hlife2.php, (13) igi2.php, (14) main.lib.php, (15) netpanzer.php, (16) old_hlife.php, (17) pkill.php, (18) q2a.php, (19) q3a.php, (20) qworld.php, (21) rene.php, (22) rvbshld.php, (23) savage.php, (24) simracer.php, (25) sof1.php, (26) sof2.php, (27) unreal.php, (28) ut2004.php, and (29) vietcong.php. NOTE: the lib/armygame.php vector is already covered by CVE-2006-1610. The provenance of most of these additional vectors is unknown, although likely from post-disclosure analysis. NOTE: this only occurs when register_globals is disabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2018
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in SQuery 4.5 and earlier versions that affects multiple gaming-related applications including Autonomous LAN party. The issue stems from improper input validation in the libpath parameter handling within various script files located in the lib directory. When register_globals is disabled, attackers can manipulate the libpath parameter to include malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code, effectively allowing remote code execution on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The attack vector leverages the trust placed in local file paths while failing to properly validate external inputs, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of PHP's include or require functions that accept dynamic parameters without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious URLs and inject them into the libpath parameter, causing the application to fetch and execute remote code from attacker-controlled servers. This particular vulnerability affects 29 distinct script files including ase.php, devi.php, doom3.php, and numerous others related to various gaming platforms. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects multiple gaming-related applications that share the same underlying codebase, making it a widespread issue across different implementations. The configuration requirement of disabled register_globals indicates that the vulnerability is specifically designed to bypass PHP's default security mechanisms that would normally prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands, install malware, modify system configurations, and establish persistent backdoors through this vulnerability. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which involves executing commands through various interfaces. Organizations running affected applications are at significant risk of being compromised, especially in gaming environments where these applications are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected SQuery versions and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should disable the use of remote file inclusion where possible and implement strict parameter validation for all dynamic inputs. The most effective immediate fix involves upgrading to SQuery versions that address this vulnerability, as the issue is fundamentally a design flaw in how the application handles external parameters. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input sanitization, and restricting file inclusion paths can help prevent exploitation. Security measures should include disabling register_globals in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are essential to identify similar issues in other applications and prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on potentially insecure default configurations in web applications.