CVE-2006-2872 in Rumble
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in Rumble 1.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the configArr[pathtodir] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2872 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Rumble 1.02 content management system that fundamentally undermines the application's security posture. This vulnerability resides within the config.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the configArr[pathtodir] parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently included and executed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability's severity stems from the fact that it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication and can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence within the target environment.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw occurs when the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. In Rumble 1.02, the configArr[pathtodir] parameter is used to construct file paths, but the application fails to verify that the input originates from trusted sources or that it conforms to expected patterns. This creates an environment where an attacker can supply a malicious URL such as http://evil.com/malicious.php, which gets processed by the PHP include statement and executed on the server. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, and CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, making it a multi-layered security weakness that can be exploited through various attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2872 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, this vulnerability allows adversaries to execute commands through the PHP interpreter, while T1078 covers Valid Accounts, as attackers can potentially gain access to legitimate user accounts through the compromised system. The vulnerability also maps to T1566, which deals with Phishing, as attackers can craft convincing phishing campaigns that exploit this weakness to gain initial access. Organizations running Rumble 1.02 are at significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive information. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly attractive for automated attack campaigns and botnet operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2872 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the ability to pass external URLs to file inclusion functions and instead enforce the use of absolute paths or predefined configuration values. The application should be updated to use a whitelist approach for path validation, where only pre-approved directories and files are allowed for inclusion. Additionally, implementing proper PHP security configurations such as disabling allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in php.ini can prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious patterns in incoming requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, and system administrators should ensure that all software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where applications should never trust user input and should always validate and sanitize data before processing.