CVE-2006-1703 in Sire
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lire.php in Sire 2.0 nws allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the rub parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1703 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Sire 2.0 nws web application, specifically affecting the lire.php component. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The flaw manifests when the application processes the rub parameter without sufficient validation, allowing malicious actors to inject URLs that point to external resources containing malicious PHP code. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation issues that have plagued web applications for decades.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code within the rub parameter of the lire.php script. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to inject arbitrary PHP code into the target system. This remote code execution capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication or specific user interaction beyond accessing the vulnerable web application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. The attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote access tools and techniques to gain unauthorized access to systems through web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web application and underlying system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially the entire server environment if proper isolation and security measures are not in place. Organizations running Sire 2.0 nws are particularly at risk as this vulnerability has been known since 2006 and represents an unpatched security flaw that attackers have extensively weaponized in various exploit kits and automated scanning tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where user-provided data should never be directly trusted or executed without proper sanitization and validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1703 require immediate implementation of several defensive measures including input validation, parameter sanitization, and application-level restrictions. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any non-numeric or non-expected values for the rub parameter, ensuring that only legitimate application data can be processed. Organizations should also implement proper file inclusion practices by using allowlists of approved files or implementing a secure configuration that prevents remote file inclusion entirely. The remediation approach should follow industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE mitigation guidelines, emphasizing the importance of validating and sanitizing all user inputs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.