CVE-2006-3554 in MKPortal
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in MKPortal 1.0.1 Final allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the language cookie, as demonstrated by using a gl_session cookie to inject PHP sequences into the error.log file, which is then included by index.php with malicious commands accessible by the ind parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3554 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within MKPortal 1.0.1 Final, a content management system that was widely used in web applications during the mid-2000s era. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file which serves as the primary entry point for the portal's functionality. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the language cookie parameter, which is processed without sufficient security controls to prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being executed. This particular implementation allows remote attackers to exploit the system by injecting malicious PHP code into the error.log file through a specially crafted gl_session cookie, effectively creating a persistent backdoor within the web application's file system.
The technical exploitation mechanism of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation. Attackers can leverage the vulnerable cookie parameter to manipulate file inclusion paths, enabling them to execute arbitrary code on the target server. The exploitation process begins with the injection of malicious PHP code into the error.log file through the gl_session cookie, which is then subsequently included by the index.php script. This creates a chained attack vector where the initial injection point (the error log file) becomes the execution point, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute commands with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability's design flaw lies in the direct concatenation of user-controllable data into file paths without proper validation, making it susceptible to path manipulation attacks that are commonly classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and establish long-term access to the web server. The use of error.log as an attack vector is particularly concerning because it represents a legitimate file that is regularly updated by the web application, making the attack less detectable and more persistent. This vulnerability also demonstrates the risks associated with improper file handling and the dangerous practice of including user-controllable inputs directly into file operations. The attack scenario involves multiple stages where the attacker first establishes a foothold through the error log injection, then leverages the included PHP code to execute commands, and finally uses the ind parameter to control the execution flow, creating a sophisticated attack chain that can be used for data exfiltration, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should implement strict filtering mechanisms that validate all cookie values and prevent the inclusion of malicious path sequences. The most effective remediation involves modifying the index.php script to sanitize all user-controllable inputs before they are used in file operations, implementing proper path validation that restricts file access to predetermined directories, and ensuring that the web application does not permit arbitrary file inclusion from user-supplied data. Additionally, the error.log file should be protected from unauthorized access and modification, with proper file permissions and access controls implemented. Security practices should include regular input validation, proper error handling that prevents sensitive information disclosure, and implementation of the principle of least privilege for file access operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious cookie values and file inclusion patterns, while conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in legacy systems that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind.