CVE-2006-2849 in Bytehoard
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/webdav/server.php in Bytehoard 2.1 Epsilon/Delta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the bhconfig[bhfilepath] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2849 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Bytehoard 2.1 Epsilon/Delta web application framework. This vulnerability exists in the includes/webdav/server.php file and specifically targets the bhconfig[bhfilepath] parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, particularly in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input within the bhconfig[bhfilepath] parameter. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the web application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to specify external URLs that contain malicious PHP code, which then gets executed on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The flaw occurs due to inadequate input validation and the application's trust in user-provided parameters without proper sanitization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, data corruption, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launch point for attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects organizations running Bytehoard 2.1 Epsilon/Delta installations, particularly those with web applications exposed to untrusted networks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations may face significant compliance and regulatory issues if sensitive data is compromised through such an attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to a patched version of Bytehoard that addresses this specific vulnerability, as no official patches were available for this particular version at the time of the vulnerability disclosure. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically designed to detect and block remote file inclusion attempts can provide additional protection layers. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web server processes and ensure that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined, trusted paths only. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary web services and ensuring that the application is not configured to accept external URLs for file inclusion operations.