CVE-2006-2845 in Redaxo
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Redaxo 3.0 up to 3.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the REX[INCLUDE_PATH] parameter to image_resize/pages/index.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2845 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Redaxo content management systems version 3.0 through 3.2. This vulnerability resides within the image_resize/pages/index.inc.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the REX[INCLUDE_PATH] parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently processed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, representing improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified within the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application weaknesses to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of user input within the include_path mechanism. When the REX[INCLUDE_PATH] parameter receives a URL value, the system does not perform adequate validation to prevent the inclusion of external resources. This lack of input sanitization allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw essentially allows the application to act as a proxy for remote code execution, where any valid URL passed through this parameter gets interpreted and executed by the PHP runtime environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with extensive control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate system but also potentially exposes other applications or services running on the same infrastructure. Organizations using affected Redaxo versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments where sensitive data processing occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2845 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Redaxo that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before processing them. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that reject suspicious URL patterns and enforce strict parameter sanitization. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for malicious URL patterns in incoming requests. Security teams should also consider implementing least privilege principles for web application directories, limiting the damage potential if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy systems. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched applications to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the security flaw.