CVE-2006-3517 in Rw Download
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in stats.php in RW::Download, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3517 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the RW::Download application's stats.php component. This vulnerability specifically exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled and improper input validation in the root_path parameter. The flaw exists because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls within the broader category of CWE-88 "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')" when considering the remote execution implications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate the root_path parameter through HTTP request parameters, typically via GET requests that are then processed by the stats.php script. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and Cookie data, which means that user-controlled input becomes immediately available as global variables within the script's scope. This configuration essentially eliminates the need for attackers to construct complex injection payloads, as the malicious input is automatically made accessible to the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that do not properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining full control over the web application and underlying system. This includes the ability to read sensitive files, execute commands, establish backdoors, and perform further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the affected system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1105 "Remote File Copy" as attackers can use the compromised system to download additional malware or establish persistent access through the executed code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defensive measures that address both the immediate exploitation vector and underlying architectural issues. The primary recommendation is to disable the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, as this eliminates the automatic creation of global variables from user input and significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for all user-supplied parameters ensures that malicious input cannot be processed by vulnerable code paths. The application should employ explicit file inclusion methods that validate the source and destination of included files, using allowlists of approved paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits, input validation testing, and maintaining up-to-date application versions are essential practices that complement these technical mitigations and help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.