CVE-2006-2844 in Redaxo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Redaxo 3.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the REX[INCLUDE_PATH] parameter to (1) simple_user/pages/index.inc.php and (2) stats/pages/index.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2844 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within Redaxo 3.0 content management system that exposes the application to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects two key files within the application's architecture where user input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The flaw exists in the simple_user/pages/index.inc.php and stats/pages/index.inc.php components, making them prime targets for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system through remote code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the REX[INCLUDE_PATH] parameter handling mechanism. When attackers provide malicious URLs through this parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in include or require operations. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed as PHP code, effectively allowing remote code execution on the target system. The vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, which are commonly classified under CWE-22 and CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Redaxo 3.0's user management and statistics modules, making it particularly dangerous as it targets administrative components that are frequently accessed and contain sensitive system information. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, demonstrating how such vulnerabilities can be leveraged for persistent access and system compromise.
Organizations using Redaxo 3.0 must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URL schemes or external references, combined with proper output encoding to prevent malicious content from being executed. Additionally, implementing a whitelist-based approach for file inclusion operations and restricting the application's ability to include files from external sources would significantly reduce the attack surface. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious inclusion patterns, as this vulnerability can be detected through network traffic analysis and log monitoring. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-22 and its exploitation patterns align with standard security hardening practices recommended by NIST and other cybersecurity frameworks for preventing remote code execution through input manipulation.