CVE-2006-3387 in Fusion News
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in sources/post.php in Fusion News 1.0, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) sequence in the fil_config parameter, which can be used to execute PHP code that has been injected into a log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3387 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Fusion News 1.0's post.php script that exploits the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and improper input validation. This weakness resides in the handling of the fil_config parameter which processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets systems where PHP's register_globals directive is enabled, a configuration that automatically converts GET, POST, and COOKIE variables into regular PHP variables, significantly expanding the attack surface and making such exploitation scenarios more likely to succeed.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the fil_config parameter using directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) notation. When an attacker crafts a request containing these traversal sequences, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it in a file inclusion context. This allows the attacker to navigate to arbitrary directories and potentially include files that should remain inaccessible, particularly when combined with the register_globals setting that can inject malicious variables into the global namespace. The most dangerous aspect of this vulnerability emerges when attackers can inject PHP code into log files, which can then be included through the vulnerable file traversal mechanism, effectively creating a remote code execution capability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. This capability enables attackers to gain full control over the web application and potentially the underlying server, allowing them to read sensitive files, modify data, install backdoors, or even establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the web server has elevated privileges or where sensitive data is stored on the same system as the vulnerable application. The attack chain typically involves first identifying the vulnerable parameter, then crafting a traversal sequence to access log files, and finally injecting malicious PHP code that gets executed when the application includes the log file during normal operation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments, as attackers often exploit such vulnerabilities to deploy malicious code. The weakness demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangerous implications of enabling potentially insecure PHP configurations. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, avoid enabling register_globals in production environments, and employ secure coding practices that prevent user-controllable input from being used in file inclusion operations without proper sanitization and access control measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3387 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying architectural issues. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which eliminates the automatic variable injection that enables this attack vector. Additionally, proper input validation should be implemented to sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ absolute path validation, implement proper access controls, and use allowlists for acceptable file paths rather than relying on user input for critical operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security code reviews, and comprehensive input validation across all application components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.