CVE-2006-2576 in Docebo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Docebo 3.0.3 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in (1) GLOBALS[where_framework] to (a) lib.simplesel.php, (b) lib.filelist.php, (c) tree.documents.php, (d) lib.repo.php, and (e) lib.php, and (2) GLOBALS[where_scs] to (f) lib.teleskill.php. NOTE: this issue might be resultant from a global overwrite vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2576 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Docebo 3.0.3 and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled alongside insecure parameter handling in multiple include files. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code, creating a severe security risk for affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors, targeting different include files within the Docebo application's codebase, making it particularly dangerous as it provides multiple pathways for exploitation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure parameter handling within the application's include functionality. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, which creates a dangerous environment where attacker-controlled data can directly influence global variable assignments. The vulnerability specifically targets the GLOBALS array, which is a superglobal in PHP that contains all global variables. Attackers can manipulate the GLOBALS[where_framework] and GLOBALS[where_scs] parameters to inject malicious URLs that get included and executed. This represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion vulnerability that falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization running affected Docebo versions. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's widespread nature, affecting multiple include files, means that even if one attack vector is patched, others remain exploitable. This creates a significant risk for educational institutions and organizations using Docebo for learning management, as attackers could gain access to student records, course materials, and administrative functions. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw also means that attackers do not need physical access or local credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through command and scripting interpreter. The attack pattern demonstrates the typical lifecycle of a remote code execution vulnerability where an attacker leverages insecure parameter handling to inject malicious code that gets executed by the web server. Organizations should immediately disable register_globals in their PHP configurations as a primary mitigation strategy, as this directive is inherently dangerous and should never be enabled in production environments. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, using allow_url_include directives set to off, and employing proper parameter sanitization techniques would prevent this class of vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software updated and following secure coding practices to prevent global variable overwrites and improper input handling that could lead to similar security issues in the future.