CVE-2006-2995 in WebprojectDB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in WebprojectDB 0.1.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the INCDIR parameter in (1) include/nav.php and (2) include/lang.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2995 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting WebprojectDB version 0.1.3 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input through the INCDIR parameter, which is processed in two distinct files: include/nav.php and include/lang.php. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the URL parameter, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Such vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, commonly categorized as CWE-98 and CWE-20 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector leverages the PHP include functionality, which is designed to incorporate external files into the execution context, but becomes dangerous when user input directly controls which files are included.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the INCDIR parameter, allowing the web application to include and execute remote PHP code from an attacker-controlled server. This type of vulnerability directly enables code injection attacks and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting the application's file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw essentially removes the application's control over what files can be included, allowing an attacker to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. The impact is particularly severe because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as unauthorized parties can manipulate the application's behavior and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information. Organizations running affected versions of WebprojectDB face significant risk of unauthorized access, system infiltration, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where such applications handle sensitive data. This vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2995 require immediate action including updating to a patched version of WebprojectDB, as the vulnerability is a known issue that has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely within the application and implementing strict whitelisting of allowed include paths. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input validation rules to prevent malicious URLs from reaching the vulnerable application components. The solution aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and defense-in-depth strategies that emphasize the importance of validating all inputs and restricting file inclusion operations to prevent unauthorized code execution. System administrators should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other applications within their environment, as this type of vulnerability commonly appears in legacy web applications that have not been properly maintained or updated.