CVE-2006-2730 in Hot Open Tickets
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/lib_action_step.php in Hot Open Tickets (HOT) 11012004_ver2f, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via the GLOBALS[CLASS_PATH] parameter. NOTE: this issue might be resultant from a global overwrite vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2730 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Hot Open Tickets (HOT) ticket management system version 11012004_ver2f. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin/lib_action_step.php script and exploits a dangerous configuration where register_globals is enabled on the web server. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the GLOBALS[CLASS_PATH] parameter, thereby achieving arbitrary file inclusion attacks that can compromise the entire system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous consequences of legacy PHP configurations where register_globals was enabled, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the application by allowing direct manipulation of global variables through user input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the GLOBALS[CLASS_PATH] parameter, which is then used to include files dynamically within the admin/lib_action_step.php script. When register_globals is enabled, user-supplied input can directly influence global variables, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code or include remote files from external servers. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for code execution at the system level, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the web server hosting the HOT application. The attack vector leverages the principle of global variable overwriting, where attacker-controlled input overwrites legitimate global variables, leading to unintended code inclusion. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the ticket management system, as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, or even establish persistent backdoors.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates multiple attack pathways that align with several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability allows attackers to perform reconnaissance, establish persistence, and escalate privileges within the compromised environment. Organizations running vulnerable versions of HOT are at significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations that should never be used in production environments. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without authentication, making it a prime target for automated attacks and exploitation by threat actors seeking to compromise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2730 involve immediate remediation actions including disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and updating to patched versions of the HOT application. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious inclusion patterns, conduct regular security assessments of their web applications, and ensure that all legacy PHP configurations are properly deprecated. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the prevention of injection flaws and the proper handling of user input. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security monitoring and log analysis can aid in detecting unauthorized access attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities.