CVE-2006-2888 in Wikiwig
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in _wk/wk_lang.php in Wikiwig 4.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the WK[wkPath] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2888 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Wikiwig version 4.1 and earlier, specifically within the _wk/wk_lang.php component. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution vulnerabilities that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input through the WK[wkPath] parameter, which is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization. This flaw creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the parameter to point to remote malicious files, effectively bypassing the application's intended security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the WK[wkPath] parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable include statement in wk_lang.php. This creates a scenario where the web server executes code from an external source rather than from the intended local files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and represents a classic example of how insecure input handling can lead to complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input directly influences file system operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or privileged access. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it allows for arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to gain full control over the affected system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations running affected Wikiwig installations, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute malicious code remotely and potentially escalate privileges. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects the core language inclusion functionality of the application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring complex attack chains. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and establishment of persistent backdoors. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if this vulnerability is exploited, as it represents a significant weakness in their web application security posture and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2888 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Wikiwig installations to version 4.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being processed in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined safe locations. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, organizations should implement proper logging and monitoring of file access patterns to detect anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.