CVE-2006-3144 in Micro CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in micro_cms_files/microcms-include.php in Implied By Design (IBD) Micro CMS 3.5 (aka 0.3.5) and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the microcms_path parameter. NOTE: it was later reported that this can also be leveraged to include and execute arbitrary local files via .. (dot dot) sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The CVE-2006-3144 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Implied By Design Micro CMS 3.5 and earlier versions, specifically within the micro_cms_files/microcms-include.php component. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution flaws that have plagued web applications for decades. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through malicious input parameters.
The technical flaw manifests when the microcms_path parameter receives a URL value that is directly included without proper sanitization or validation. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code or reference external malicious scripts that get executed within the context of the web server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw is classified as a CWE-98 weakness, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" and falls under the broader category of CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, and perform reconnaissance activities within the compromised environment. The inclusion of local file path traversal capabilities through .. (dot dot) sequences further amplifies the attack surface, allowing threat actors to access local files that may contain sensitive information such as database credentials, configuration files, or other system-related data. This dual nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly attractive to attackers as it provides both remote code execution and information disclosure capabilities.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of insecure input handling that violates fundamental web application security principles. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and T1059.007, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as attackers can leverage the included functionality to execute malicious commands. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, least privilege execution, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the affected CMS version, implementation of proper parameter validation, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious inclusion attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and establish proper security awareness training for developers to prevent similar issues in future applications.