CVE-2006-2009 in phpMyAgenda
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in agenda.php3 in phpMyAgenda 3.0 Final and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the rootagenda parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2009 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in phpMyAgenda version 3.0 Final and earlier, which falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation. This vulnerability resides within the agenda.php3 script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the rootagenda parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that can be executed on the target server, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to leverage the application's file inclusion mechanism to load and execute malicious PHP code from remote servers, effectively bypassing local security controls. The root cause stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation, which directly maps to CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses that enable code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a predictable pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the vulnerable rootagenda parameter, which is then processed by the application's include or require functions without proper sanitization. When the application attempts to include the specified file, it executes the remote code as if it were part of the local application, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the server's resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059.007 for scripting languages, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to execute malicious payloads. The flaw specifically affects the application's ability to handle dynamic file inclusion, where user input is directly concatenated into file path operations, creating an environment where remote code execution becomes possible. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability and represents a significant threat to web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of phpMyAgenda, making it particularly concerning for those with legacy systems that have not received security updates. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, data breaches, and potential legal consequences if such vulnerabilities are exploited, especially when dealing with sensitive information or regulated industries. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its ease of exploitation and the fact that it requires no special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of keeping web applications updated and implementing proper input validation measures to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on immediate remediation through patching and updating to versions that address the remote file inclusion flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being directly used in file inclusion operations. The application should be configured to use allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives set to off, preventing remote file inclusion behavior. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access remote resources through the application. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly regarding file handling and input validation, which aligns with OWASP Top Ten security controls and the principle of least privilege in application design. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to security incidents effectively.