CVE-2006-3302 in Mambo Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mod_cbsms.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 mosC_a_path parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; portions of the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3302 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 exists in the mod_cbsms.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous software systems over the years. The issue arises from improper input validation and sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's parameter processing logic.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the mosC_a_path parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be processed by the vulnerable PHP application. When register_globals is enabled, the application's configuration creates an environment where user-supplied input can be directly converted into global variables, bypassing normal security boundaries. This configuration effectively transforms user-controllable parameters into executable code, as the system treats the injected URL as a legitimate file path that can be included and executed. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. This capability allows malicious actors to perform a wide range of harmful activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system compromise, privilege escalation, and deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based interfaces, API endpoints, or any user-facing application component that accepts the mosC_a_path parameter. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that the vulnerability requires only a single parameter manipulation to achieve remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for execution, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces. The remediation strategy involves immediate patching of the affected CBSMS Mambo Module to version 1.1 or later, which would include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should disable register_globals in their PHP configurations, as this setting fundamentally undermines application security by creating dangerous variable injection points. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, though they should not be relied upon as primary defenses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly focusing on preventing injection flaws that can lead to remote code execution.