CVE-2006-3300 in PhpMySms
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in sms_config/gateway.php in PhpMySms 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ROOT_PATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3300 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PhpMySms 2.0 software suite, specifically affecting the sms_config/gateway.php component. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, where the ROOT_PATH parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize external URL references. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through a remote URL, effectively bypassing local file access controls and enabling remote code execution on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution patterns commonly exploited in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper input validation mechanisms within the gateway.php file. When the application processes the ROOT_PATH parameter, it directly incorporates user-provided URL values into the include or require statements without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the parameter value to point to malicious remote resources, such as attacker-controlled web servers hosting malicious PHP scripts. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to inclusion of arbitrary files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious payloads, create backdoors, or escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability affects all versions of PhpMySms up to and including version 2.0, making it particularly concerning for organizations that may have legacy installations. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the vulnerability can be leveraged from anywhere on the internet, increasing the attack surface significantly. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web hosting environments where multiple applications share the same infrastructure, potentially allowing lateral movement between different applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3300 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization procedures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should be configured to use absolute paths instead of relative paths when including files, and the use of allow_url_include should be disabled in the php.ini configuration. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in the ROOT_PATH parameter. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing web applications, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.