CVE-2006-2315 in ISPConfig
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in session.inc.php in ISPConfig 2.2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the go_info[server][classes_root] parameter. NOTE: the vendor has disputed this vulnerability, saying that session.inc.php is not under the web root in version 2.2, and register_globals is not enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2315 relates to a remote file inclusion flaw discovered in ISPConfig version 2.2.2 and earlier, specifically within the session.inc.php file. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when the application processes a URL passed through the go_info[server][classes_root] parameter, enabling malicious actors to include and execute remote PHP scripts. According to industry standards such as CWE-88, this vulnerability falls under the category of improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, specifically in the context of PHP include operations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code through the inclusion of untrusted code, making it particularly dangerous in web application contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way ISPConfig handles user input within the session.inc.php file, which serves as a critical component for session management within the application. When the application processes the go_info[server][classes_root] parameter without proper validation or sanitization, it creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts. This flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level, where successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system file manipulation, or even full administrative control over the affected server. The specific context of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as highlighted in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for PHP script execution.
Despite the vendor's disputed status regarding this vulnerability, the potential security implications remain significant for systems that might still be running vulnerable versions of ISPConfig. The vendor's assertion that session.inc.php is not under the web root in version 2.2 and that register_globals is not enabled suggests that the vulnerability may be mitigated by specific configuration settings, but this does not eliminate the risk entirely for installations that do not follow these recommended practices. The disputed nature of the vulnerability indicates that either the original assessment was incorrect, or the vulnerability only exists under very specific conditions that were not properly documented or understood. Organizations should not rely solely on vendor statements and should conduct their own thorough security assessments to determine if their systems are vulnerable to similar remote file inclusion attacks. The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of maintaining current security practices, including regular updates, proper input validation, and adherence to security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The vulnerability also underscores the critical need for security awareness and the importance of understanding how different software components interact with user input to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other applications.