CVE-2006-2392 in PHP Blue Dragon
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in public_includes/pub_popup/popup_finduser.php in PHP Blue Dragon Platinum 2.8.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the vsDragonRootPath parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2392 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP Blue Dragon Platinum 2.8.0 web application framework. This vulnerability resides in the public_includes/pub_popup/popup_finduser.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into file inclusion operations. The specific parameter affected is vsDragonRootPath which accepts URL values that are subsequently processed through PHP's include or require functions without adequate input validation mechanisms. This design flaw creates a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code through carefully crafted URLs, effectively bypassing normal application security controls and executing arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing PHP code within the vsDragonRootPath parameter, allowing them to include remote files from external servers. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1190 for exploiting remote services and T1059 for executing malicious code through command injection. When a victim accesses the vulnerable page with a malicious vsDragonRootPath parameter, the application's insecure file inclusion mechanism processes the URL and executes the included code, potentially enabling full system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web application environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, persistent backdoor installation, and unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within or accessible through the web application. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also poses risks to the underlying server infrastructure, as the executed code operates with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in unauthorized database access, file system manipulation, and potential privilege escalation to system-level access depending on the server configuration and the web application's execution context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all user-supplied parameters that influence file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that ensures all input values conform to expected formats and reject any suspicious or malformed URLs. The recommended approach involves using allowlists of trusted values for the vsDragonRootPath parameter or implementing proper input sanitization that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters from user input. Additionally, the web application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using PHP configuration settings such as allow_url_include set to off and allow_url_fopen set to off. Security patches or code modifications should be implemented to replace the vulnerable include mechanism with secure alternatives that validate file paths against a predetermined whitelist of acceptable directories and files. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code releases, while also ensuring that existing applications remain protected against similar attack vectors.