CVE-2006-1747 in Virtual War
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Virtual War (VWar) 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the vwar_root parameter to (1) admin/admin.php, (2) war.php, (3) stats.php, (4) news.php, (5) joinus.php, (6) challenge.php, (7) calendar.php, (8) member.php, (9) popup.php, and other unspecified scripts in the admin folder. NOTE: these are different attack vectors than CVE-2006-1636 and CVE-2006-1503.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1747 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Virtual War (VWar) version 1.5.0, specifically targeting the admin folder and multiple PHP scripts. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the vwar_root parameter. The affected scripts include admin/admin.php, war.php, stats.php, news.php, joinus.php, challenge.php, calendar.php, member.php, and popup.php, along with unspecified scripts within the admin directory. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-94, which classifies it as an "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" weakness, specifically manifesting as a remote file inclusion attack vector.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the vwar_root parameter to include a malicious URL pointing to remote code hosted on an attacker-controlled server. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without proper validation, it includes and executes the remote PHP code, effectively granting the attacker complete control over the affected system. This type of attack leverages the PHP include() or require() functions that accept dynamic parameters, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed across multiple entry points within the admin folder, amplifying the potential impact and attack surface. The vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a Code Injection technique, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through remote file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects not just the specific scripts mentioned but also other unspecified scripts in the admin folder, indicating a systemic design flaw in parameter handling throughout the application. Organizations running VWar 1.5.0 are at significant risk of unauthorized access, as this vulnerability can be exploited without authentication and requires no special privileges beyond basic web access. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1747 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application code. The primary defense involves removing or disabling the use of dynamic URL parameters in include statements, replacing them with static configuration values or implementing strict whitelisting mechanisms for acceptable file paths. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of VWar if available, or implement proper parameter validation that prevents URL inclusion attacks. Additional security measures include disabling the ability to pass URLs as parameters to include functions, implementing proper access controls, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as it could have been prevented through proper parameter handling and the implementation of secure coding standards that align with industry best practices for preventing remote file inclusion attacks.