CVE-2006-3520 in Sabdrimer Cms
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in skins/advanced/advanced1.php in Sabdrimer Pro 2.2.4, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pluginpath[0] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3520 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Sabdrimer Pro 2.2.4 web application, specifically targeting the skins/advanced/advanced1.php file. This issue arises from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the deprecated register_globals PHP configuration setting, which automatically creates global variables from HTTP request parameters, thereby expanding the attack surface significantly. When register_globals is enabled, malicious actors can manipulate the pluginpath[0] parameter to inject arbitrary URLs that will be processed by the vulnerable application, effectively allowing remote code execution through the inclusion of malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The flaw occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input from the pluginpath[0] parameter into a file inclusion directive without adequate validation or sanitization. This creates a condition where an attacker can inject a URL pointing to a malicious PHP script, which gets executed within the context of the web server. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as a Remote Code Execution technique, specifically leveraging the T1059.007 sub-technique related to scripting languages. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as the malicious code runs with the privileges of the web server process. This allows attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistence establishment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire web application environment, potentially leading to full system compromise if the web server has elevated privileges. Organizations running Sabdrimer Pro 2.2.4 with register_globals enabled face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any authentication or specialized tools. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious URL with the pluginpath[0] parameter pointing to a controlled external server hosting the attacker's payload, which gets executed when the vulnerable application processes the request.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying configuration issues that enable the flaw. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, as this eliminates the automatic creation of global variables from HTTP parameters. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or escape any potentially malicious input before it can be used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters, allowing only predefined and trusted values to be processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block suspicious requests containing malicious URL patterns. Security best practices recommend that all web applications avoid using deprecated PHP features and ensure proper parameter validation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations that automatically create global variables from user input, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security auditing and modernization of web applications.