CVE-2006-3076 in PhpBlueDragon CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in software_upload/public_includes/pub_templates/vphptree/template.php in PhpBlueDragon CMS 2.9.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the vsDragonRootPath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3076 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PhpBlueDragon CMS version 2.9.1, specifically located in the file software_upload/public_includes/pub_templates/vphptree/template.php. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The affected parameter vsDragonRootPath accepts external URL inputs without sufficient verification, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in software security design. The flaw operates under the principle that user-controllable input is directly used in file inclusion functions such as include or require without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, which then get executed on the vulnerable CMS server. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it enables remote code execution through PHP script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, upload additional malware, establish backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the entire CMS installation. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted application but can also compromise the underlying server infrastructure, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the CMS. Given that this vulnerability exists in a content management system, successful exploitation could result in widespread compromise of websites, user data theft, and potential use as a foothold for further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3076 should begin with immediate patching of the PhpBlueDragon CMS to version 2.9.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures that prevent URL parameters from containing malicious content, particularly by filtering out special characters and protocol schemes that could enable remote file inclusion. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configuration should be disabled to prevent the execution of remote files. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block malicious URL patterns in the vsDragonRootPath parameter can provide an additional layer of protection. Network segmentation and monitoring should be employed to detect unusual outbound connections that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.