CVE-2006-2929 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in contrib/forms/evaluation/C_FormEvaluation.class.php in OpenEMR 2.8.1 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GLOBALS[fileroot] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2929 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the OpenEMR medical records system version 2.8.1 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious code through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw exists within the C_FormEvaluation.class.php file located in the contrib/forms/evaluation directory structure of the OpenEMR application, making it a targeted attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise healthcare information systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous behavior of PHP's register_globals directive, which automatically creates global variables from HTTP request data. When enabled, this configuration allows attackers to manipulate the GLOBALS array directly through HTTP parameters, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. In this specific case, the GLOBALS[fileroot] parameter can be controlled by an attacker to include arbitrary PHP files from remote servers, effectively enabling remote code execution on the vulnerable system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category for Argument Injection and is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected OpenEMR system. Healthcare organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential disruption of critical medical services. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in healthcare environments where patient data confidentiality and system integrity are paramount, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive medical records, modify patient information, or disrupt healthcare delivery operations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2929 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying system configuration issues. The primary recommendation is to disable the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which eliminates the core condition that enables this attack vector. Organizations should also upgrade to OpenEMR versions 2.8.2 and later, which contain patches specifically addressing this vulnerability. Additional security measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, configuring web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of healthcare information systems. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper PHP configuration management and input validation practices in healthcare information systems, aligning with industry standards for secure coding and healthcare data protection requirements.