CVE-2006-2767 in Ottoman
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Ottoman 1.1.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the default_path parameter in (1) error.php, (2) index.php, and (3) classes/main_class.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2767 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Ottoman content management system version 1.1.2 that leverages the dangerous combination of misconfigured PHP settings and insecure parameter handling. This vulnerability resides in the application's core functionality where the default_path parameter is improperly validated and directly incorporated into PHP include statements without adequate sanitization. The flaw specifically affects versions where register_globals is enabled, a configuration that was common in older PHP installations but is now considered highly insecure due to its potential for exploitation. The vulnerability is present across three critical files within the application's codebase including error.php, index.php, and classes/main_class.php, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles path parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate the default_path parameter through HTTP request parameters, allowing them to inject malicious file paths that are then processed by PHP's include or require functions. When register_globals is enabled, the attacker can inject variables directly into the global scope, making it possible to override application variables and inject arbitrary code execution paths. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 weakness category, which specifically addresses the inclusion of files or directories whose names are determined by user-supplied input, leading to remote code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with direct code execution capabilities on the affected server. Once exploited, an attacker can upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially gaining persistent access to the system, stealing sensitive data, or using the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not just the Ottoman application but potentially the entire server environment, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple files in the application's architecture suggests that the issue is not isolated to a single component but represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security design. The widespread nature of this vulnerability in older PHP installations means that many systems may be exposed, particularly those that have not been properly updated or secured.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2767 must address both the immediate exploitation vectors and the underlying architectural issues that make this vulnerability possible. The most critical immediate fix is to disable register_globals in the PHP configuration, which should be done by setting register_globals = Off in php.ini or through server configuration directives. Additionally, all input parameters including default_path must be properly validated and sanitized before being used in include statements, implementing proper input validation and parameter sanitization techniques. The application should be updated to a newer version that does not exhibit this vulnerability, as version 1.1.2 is obsolete and no longer receives security updates. Implementing proper access controls, input validation, and output encoding can prevent this type of vulnerability from being exploited, with the principle of least privilege ensuring that the web server operates with minimal necessary permissions. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations that should never be used in production environments.