CVE-2006-2583 in nucleus
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in nucleus/libs/PLUGINADMIN.php in Nucleus 3.22 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GLOBALS[DIR_LIBS] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2583 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Nucleus CMS 3.22 and earlier versions, specifically affecting the nucleus/libs/PLUGINADMIN.php component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability occurs when the GLOBALS[DIR_LIBS] parameter is manipulated through remote HTTP requests, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently processed by the application's file inclusion functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust placed in user input within the application's configuration handling mechanisms. When Nucleus processes the PLUGINADMIN.php file, it accepts the DIR_LIBS parameter from the GLOBALS array without sufficient validation, creating a pathway for remote code execution. This flaw aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically manifests as a remote file inclusion vulnerability that enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability operates at the application level and directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2583 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to upload and execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special privileges or advanced techniques, making it a high-value target for automated attack tools. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote access tools and backdoors for maintaining persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the Nucleus CMS codebase. Organizations should upgrade to Nucleus versions 3.23 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper parameter validation and secure file inclusion practices. Additionally, administrators should implement web application firewalls to filter suspicious URL patterns and restrict file inclusion operations to known good sources only. The remediation efforts must include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns in other components of the application that might be susceptible to the same class of vulnerability, ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are properly validated before being processed in file inclusion contexts.