CVE-2006-2331 in PHP-Fusion
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in PHP-Fusion 6.00.306 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via (1) a .. (dot dot) in the settings[locale] parameter in infusions/last_seen_users_panel/last_seen_users_panel.php, and (2) a .. (dot dot) in the localeset parameter in setup.php. NOTE: the vendor states that this issue might exist due to problems in third party local files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2331 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting PHP-Fusion version 6.00.306. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation in two distinct locations within the application's codebase, creating opportunities for remote attackers to execute arbitrary local file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of user-supplied input in the settings[locale] parameter within the last_seen_users_panel.php file and through the localeset parameter in the setup.php file, both of which accept directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. These flaws align with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive system files, execute malicious code, and potentially compromise the entire web server hosting the vulnerable application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing directory traversal sequences that bypass the application's intended file access controls. In the first scenario involving the settings[locale] parameter, an attacker can manipulate the locale selection mechanism to traverse directories and include local files that should otherwise remain protected. Similarly, the localeset parameter in setup.php presents an identical risk where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. The attack vector leverages the fundamental weakness in input validation where the application does not adequately restrict the characters or sequences that can be used in path specifications, allowing attackers to move up directory levels and access files outside the intended application scope. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to potentially access configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive resources that are stored on the server filesystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2331 extends significantly beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with potential full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, these vulnerabilities can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete server takeover. The vulnerability's designation as a remote attack vector means that no local system access is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosted on publicly accessible servers. Attackers could leverage this weakness to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or extract sensitive data from the compromised system. The vendor's note regarding potential third-party local file problems suggests that the vulnerability might compound other existing security issues within the application ecosystem, potentially creating cascading effects that extend beyond the immediate scope of the reported flaws. Organizations running vulnerable PHP-Fusion installations face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2331 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all affected application components. System administrators should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences, particularly the .. (dot dot) notation, before it can be processed by the application's file handling mechanisms. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predetermined, safe locale identifiers rather than allowing arbitrary user input to determine file paths. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal privileges and implement proper file access controls to limit what files can be accessed even if traversal attempts are successful. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in real-time. The remediation process should include updating to the latest available version of PHP-Fusion that addresses these vulnerabilities, as the vendor has likely released patches or updates to resolve these specific path traversal issues. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components, following established security frameworks such as those defined by the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.