CVE-2006-3374 in Randshop
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Randshop 1.2 and earlier, including 0.9.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the incl parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3374 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Randshop versions 1.2 and earlier, including the 0.9.3 release. This issue resides within the index.php script where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the incl parameter contains a URL that points to an external resource, enabling attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed on the target server.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing inadequate control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection. The flaw operates through the principle of insecure direct object reference, where user input controls the file inclusion mechanism without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector leverages the PHP include or require functions that accept URL-based paths, allowing remote code execution through manipulation of the incl parameter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the context of web application security. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining complete control over the web application and underlying system. This allows for data exfiltration, privilege escalation, establishment of backdoors, and further network penetration. The vulnerability affects not just the specific Randshop application but also demonstrates a common pattern of insecure file inclusion practices that have been documented across numerous web applications. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for the incl parameter, ensuring that only predetermined, safe file paths are accepted. This includes employing allowlists of permitted values rather than denylists, which are inherently insecure. The application should also implement proper parameter validation to reject any input containing URL schemes or external references. Additionally, the web server configuration should be adjusted to prevent remote file inclusion by disabling the allow_url_include directive in php.ini, which is the underlying mechanism that enables remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious inclusion patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web infrastructure. The remediation process should follow established security practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing the execution of malicious code through insecure file inclusion mechanisms.