CVE-2006-3689 in Gnomedia SubberZ
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in user-func.php in Codeworks Gnomedia SubberZ[Lite] allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the myadmindir parameter. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by a third party that claims that " the myadmindir variable is set before any GET variables are processed."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3689 represents a remote file inclusion flaw within the Codeworks Gnomedia SubberZ[Lite] application, specifically affecting the user-func.php script. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, with potential implications for code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes a URL provided in the myadmindir parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. Such a flaw constitutes a serious security weakness that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to server resources and potentially establish persistent control over the affected environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the myadmindir parameter within the user-func.php script, which appears to process user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation. When a remote attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for myadmindir, the application may incorporate this input into its execution flow, leading to the inclusion of external PHP files. This behavior directly aligns with the common pattern of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities where user-controllable variables are used in include or require statements without proper verification. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter handling, making it susceptible to manipulation by threat actors seeking to execute malicious code remotely.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected SubberZ[Lite] application. The ability to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely provides attackers with extensive capabilities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and potential establishment of backdoors. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to encompass potential compromise of the entire web server infrastructure, especially if the application runs with elevated privileges. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat vector that could lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's environment.
The disputed nature of this CVE highlights the complexity often encountered in vulnerability analysis, where third-party claims may challenge the initial assessment of exploitability. The disputing party's assertion that "the myadmindir variable is set before any GET variables are processed" suggests that the vulnerability may not exist in the manner initially described, or that the conditions for exploitation are more restrictive than initially reported. This discrepancy underscores the importance of thorough verification and validation of vulnerability claims within the security community. Organizations should conduct their own independent testing and analysis to confirm the actual exploitability of this vulnerability within their specific environments, considering both the original report and the disputed claims regarding the variable processing order.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate patching or updating of the affected application to a version that properly validates and sanitizes user input. Input validation measures must be implemented to ensure that the myadmindir parameter contains only expected values and does not allow URL injection. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, and disable remote file inclusion functionality where possible. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly for applications that process user-supplied data through include or require statements. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to address similar vulnerabilities in their software inventory.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-89 categories, representing improper input validation and code injection weaknesses respectively. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for executing code through web application vulnerabilities, specifically under the T1059.007 sub-technique for PHP code injection. The disputed nature of the vulnerability also highlights the need for proper vulnerability analysis methodologies and community consensus building in security research, as accurate assessment of exploitability is crucial for effective risk management and remediation planning.