CVE-2006-3294 in Mambo Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mod_cbsms_messages.php in CBSMS Mambo Module 1.0 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3294 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the CBSMS Mambo Module version 1.0 and earlier, specifically targeting PHP applications where register_globals is enabled. This vulnerability resides in the mod_cbsms_messages.php file and demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration that enables attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input parameters. The issue stems from the module's improper handling of user-supplied input, particularly the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which creates an avenue for arbitrary code execution when combined with the dangerous register_globals setting.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, including GET, POST, and cookie parameters. This configuration allows attackers to inject malicious URLs directly into the application's parameter processing, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration has register_globals set to 'on', which was common in older PHP installations and represents a deprecated security practice that should never be enabled in production environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses complete system compromise potential. Attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, system infiltration, and complete control over the affected web application. This remote code execution capability allows adversaries to install backdoors, modify application behavior, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosting sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3294 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying configuration issues. The primary remediation involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration file, which eliminates the core condition enabling this attack vector. Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be implemented to prevent malicious URLs from being processed within the application. The affected CBSMS Mambo Module should be upgraded to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes all user-supplied input parameters. Security best practices recommend implementing proper parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable input values, and ensuring that all web applications operate with secure PHP configurations that disable deprecated security features like register_globals. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes weaknesses related to the execution of arbitrary code, and represents a typical attack pattern categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how insecure parameter handling can enable remote code execution in web applications.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the immediate attack surface, highlighting the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper PHP configuration management. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules and applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are essential to maintain secure web application environments, particularly when dealing with legacy systems that may contain deprecated security configurations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with outdated web application frameworks and the necessity of maintaining current security patches and configurations to prevent exploitation by threat actors.