CVE-2006-2523 in phpListPro
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in phpListPro 2.0.1 and earlier, with magic_quotes_gpc disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the Language cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2523 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting phpListPro version 2.0.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the config.php file of the application, which fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before incorporating them into the application's execution flow. The specific weakness occurs when the application processes the Language cookie parameter, which is used to determine the language configuration for the user interface. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled on the web server, the application becomes particularly susceptible to malicious input manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the PHP remote file inclusion mechanism, where an attacker can inject a malicious URL into the Language cookie value. This allows the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from a remote server controlled by the attacker. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it directly enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or specific user interaction beyond manipulating a cookie value. The flaw operates under CWE-98, which classifies it as a "Cross-Site Scripting" or more accurately "Remote File Inclusion" vulnerability, where the application incorporates user-supplied input into a file path without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify application behavior, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire application stack since it operates at the configuration level where language files are loaded, making it a fundamental security flaw that compromises the application's integrity. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code on target systems.
The security implications of CVE-2006-2523 are severe given that it allows attackers to bypass traditional security measures such as authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that modify cookie values, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The combination of the vulnerable phpListPro version with the disabled magic_quotes_gpc setting creates an ideal environment for exploitation. Organizations using this software are particularly at risk since the vulnerability can be exploited without any user interaction, making it an ideal candidate for automated attack tools. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of the application to version 2.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, administrators should enable magic_quotes_gpc as a temporary mitigation measure, though this is considered a deprecated practice in modern PHP versions. The recommended long-term solution involves implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and using secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles.