CVE-2006-3584 in Jetbox CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Dynamic variable evaluation vulnerability in index.php in Jetbox CMS 2.1 SR1 allows remote attackers to overwrite configuration variables via URL parameters, which are evaluated as PHP variable variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2017
The CVE-2006-3584 vulnerability represents a critical dynamic variable evaluation flaw in the Jetbox CMS 2.1 SR1 content management system that exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file where URL parameters are processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's internal configuration variables through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw stems from the application's use of PHP variable variables, a feature that allows dynamic variable naming and access, but when combined with unsanitized user input, creates a dangerous attack surface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious URL parameters that are directly evaluated by the PHP engine as variable names. In the context of CMS applications, this typically involves passing parameters that correspond to configuration variables within the application's codebase. When these parameters are processed through dynamic variable evaluation mechanisms, they can overwrite critical system variables, including database connection details, administrative credentials, or other sensitive configuration settings. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which encompasses "Improper Control of Generation of Code," specifically relating to the improper use of dynamic code generation or evaluation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration overwrites, as it fundamentally undermines the application's security model by allowing remote attackers to manipulate the runtime behavior of the CMS. An attacker can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, modify content, or potentially escalate privileges within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1021.004 for "Remote Services: SSH" when considering the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement through compromised configuration settings.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3584 should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's parameter handling processes. The most effective remediation involves removing or restricting the use of dynamic variable evaluation where user input is involved, replacing such mechanisms with static variable assignments or proper parameterized approaches. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering that validates parameter names against a whitelist of allowed variables, ensuring that only predetermined configuration options can be modified through URL parameters. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modification of critical configuration settings. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021, particularly in addressing injection flaws and improper error handling, and aligns with NIST SP 800-53 security controls for input validation and access control to prevent unauthorized system modifications.