CVE-2006-2286 in Dokeos community release
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in claro_init_global.inc.php in Dokeos 1.6.3 and earlier, and Dokeos community release 2.0.3, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) rootSys and (2) clarolineRepositorySys parameters, and possibly the (3) lang_path, (4) extAuthSource, (5) thisAuthSource, (6) main_configuration_file_path, (7) phpDigIncCn, and (8) drs parameters to (a) testheaderpage.php and (b) resourcelinker.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2286 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Dokeos learning management systems version 1.6.3 and earlier, as well as the community release 2.0.3. This vulnerability resides within the claro_init_global.inc.php file and manifests as multiple attack vectors that can be exploited to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code through carefully crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves several specific parameters that are susceptible to manipulation including rootSys, clarolineRepositorySys, lang_path, extAuthSource, thisAuthSource, main_configuration_file_path, phpDigIncCn, and drs. These parameters are processed in testheaderpage.php and resourcelinker.inc.php files where they are concatenated into file inclusion statements without proper validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in any of these parameters, the system blindly includes and executes the remote file, effectively allowing for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the context of educational institutions using Dokeos platforms. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive educational information. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with internet-facing web applications. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK matrix under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for arbitrary code execution through web-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and implementation of input validation controls. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Dokeos where available, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization in the affected files is crucial, ensuring that all user-supplied input is thoroughly checked before being used in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The principle of least privilege should be applied to web server configurations, limiting the ability of remote attackers to access sensitive system resources even if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns of insecure file handling that could lead to analogous vulnerabilities in other applications.