CVE-2006-3340 in Pearlinger
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Pearl For Mambo module 1.6 for Mambo, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) phpbb_root_path parameter in (a) includes/functions_cms.php and the (2) GlobalSettings[templatesDirectory] parameter in multiple files in the "includes" directory including (b) adminSensored.php, (c) adminBoards.php, (d) adminAttachments.php, (e) adminAvatars.php, (f) adminBackupdatabase.php, (g) adminBanned.php, (h) adminForums.php, (i) adminPolls.php, (j) adminSmileys.php, (k) poll.php, and (l) move.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3340 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Pearl For Mambo module version 1.6, which operates within the Mambo content management system ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled and improper input validation within the module's codebase. The flaw manifests through two distinct parameter injection points that allow attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow by injecting malicious file paths. The first vector involves the phpbb_root_path parameter within includes/functions_cms.php, while the second encompasses the GlobalSettings[templatesDirectory] parameter across multiple administrative files within the includes directory structure. These vulnerabilities collectively create a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively compromising the entire application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, eliminating the need for explicit variable declaration. This configuration, combined with the absence of proper input validation in the affected parameters, allows attackers to inject malicious file paths that get executed as PHP code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and specifically aligns with CWE-94 as execution of arbitrary code, since attackers can inject and execute arbitrary PHP scripts. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that manipulate the vulnerable parameters, causing the web application to include and execute attacker-controlled files, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, creating a severe threat landscape for organizations running affected versions of the Pearl For Mambo module. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The scope of impact includes not only the immediate web application but potentially the entire server infrastructure, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability directly maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script injection, T1078 for valid accounts, and T1566 for spearphishing with social engineering. Organizations may experience complete data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, as the compromised system can serve as a foothold for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. The primary recommendation involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, which eliminates one of the critical prerequisites for exploitation. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation using functions like filter_var with appropriate filters, and employ proper parameterized queries or include guards to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. Organizations should also apply the latest security patches from the Mambo community or upgrade to supported versions of the Pearl For Mambo module. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block requests containing suspicious parameter values, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of legacy configurations that enable dangerous PHP behaviors.