CVE-2006-3075 in PictureDis Professional
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in PictureDis Professional 1.33 Build 234 and earlier and PictureDis Photoalbum 4.82 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lang parameter to files in photoalbum/ including (1) thumstbl.php, (2) wpfiles.php, and (3) wallpapr.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3075 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting PictureDis Professional and PictureDis Photoalbum software versions up to 1.33 Build 234 and 4.82 respectively. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the lang parameter within three distinct files within the photoalbum/ directory structure, namely thumstbl.php, wpfiles.php, and wallpapr.php, making it a widespread concern for installations utilizing these software components. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it to construct file paths, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get processed as legitimate file references.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the lang parameter, which then gets incorporated into the application's file inclusion mechanism without proper validation or sanitization. This allows the web application to fetch and execute remote PHP code, effectively granting attackers remote command execution capabilities on the affected server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and more broadly aligns with CWE-20, encompassing weak input validation. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for web servers running these applications, as it enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the target environment.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, modify existing application functionality, or gain access to sensitive system information. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability corresponds to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, representing common attack vectors that security professionals must defend against. Organizations running affected software versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring specialized tools or extensive reconnaissance. The lack of proper input validation creates an attack surface that directly violates secure coding practices and can be easily automated, making it a preferred target for mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3075 require immediate patching of affected software versions, as no effective workarounds exist for this particular vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures, including whitelisting acceptable language parameters and implementing proper sanitization routines before any user-supplied input is processed. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense layers, though these should not be considered primary solutions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insecure file handling practices. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture of the overall system infrastructure.