CVE-2006-3532 in Pivot
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file inclusion vulnerability in includes/edit_new.php in Pivot 1.30 RC2 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a FTP URL or full file path in the Paths[extensions_path] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3532 represents a critical file inclusion flaw in Pivot 1.30 RC2 and earlier versions that exploits the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the includes/edit_new.php script and specifically targets the Paths[extensions_path] parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious file paths or URLs that will be processed by the PHP interpreter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous PHP configuration setting register_globals being enabled, which automatically creates global variables from request data such as GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. When register_globals is active, an attacker can manipulate the Paths[extensions_path] parameter to point to a remote FTP URL or a local file path containing malicious PHP code. The vulnerability manifests because the application directly incorporates user input into file inclusion functions without proper validation or sanitization, creating a classic remote code execution scenario. This flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and falls under the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that have been consistently identified as critical threats in the software security landscape.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify or delete files, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using Pivot 1.30 RC2 or earlier versions, particularly those with insecure PHP configurations that have register_globals enabled, making it a significant concern for web application security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying configuration issues that enable such attacks. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Pivot that resolves the file inclusion vulnerability and removes the reliance on dangerous PHP configurations. Organizations should disable register_globals in their PHP configurations as part of a broader security hardening effort, since this setting has been deprecated and removed from modern PHP versions due to its security risks. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, using allowlist-based file inclusion approaches, and employing web application firewalls can provide layered defense mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," which emphasizes the need for proper parameter validation and input sanitization in web applications to prevent code injection attacks.