CVE-2006-3422 in WonderEdit Pro CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in WonderEdit Pro CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the config[template_path] parameter in user_bottom.php, as used by multiple templates including (1) rwb (template/rwb/user_bottom.php), (2) gwb (template/rwb/user_bottom.php, (3) blues, (4) bluwhi, and (5) grns.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2024
The CVE-2006-3422 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in WonderEdit Pro CMS that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of improper input validation in web applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the config[template_path] parameter within the user_bottom.php file, which serves as a critical entry point for attackers to inject malicious code into the system. The flaw exists across multiple template implementations including rwb, gwb, blues, bluwhi, and grns, indicating a widespread impact that affects the core functionality of the content management system. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an attack surface that directly enables arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the config[template_path] parameter to reference external malicious files. When the application processes this parameter in user_bottom.php, it directly includes the specified template path without proper validation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This flaw aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically the improper handling of user input in file inclusion contexts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that modify the template path parameter, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3422 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, attackers can upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's presence across multiple templates indicates that the flaw is deeply embedded in the application architecture rather than being isolated to a single component, amplifying the potential damage. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation failures can create significant security breaches. The attack can be executed from any location with internet access, 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 all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ whitelisting mechanisms that only allow predefined, trusted template paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, the use of PHP's open_basedir directive and disabling remote file inclusion features can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also implement proper security monitoring to detect unusual file inclusion patterns and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other components. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and the potential consequences of failing to validate user input in web applications, particularly in CMS platforms that handle dynamic content rendering through template systems.