CVE-2006-3692 in listmessenger
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in enduser/listmessenger.php in ListMessenger 0.9.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lm_path parameter. NOTE: the vendor has disputed this issue to SecurityTracker, stating that the $lm_path variable is set to a constant value. As of 20060726, CVE concurs with the vendor based on SecurityTracker s post-disclosure analysis.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3692 represents a disputed remote file inclusion flaw within the ListMessenger 0.9.3 web application. This issue was originally reported to affect the enduser/listmessenger.php script where a lm_path parameter could potentially be manipulated by remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks that allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code through web applications. The attack vector would typically involve an attacker crafting a malicious URL and passing it through the lm_path parameter to the vulnerable script, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the ListMessenger application. When the lm_path parameter is processed, it appears to accept user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that could point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insecure parameter handling where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-provided input before using it in file inclusion operations. According to the vendor's disputed statement and SecurityTracker's post-disclosure analysis, the lm_path variable was actually set to a constant value, which would inherently prevent the vulnerability from existing as originally described. This discrepancy highlights the importance of vendor verification and the potential for misclassification in vulnerability reporting.
The operational impact of this vulnerability, if it were to exist as originally reported, would have been severe for affected systems. Remote code execution capabilities would have allowed attackers to gain complete control over the vulnerable web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability would have been particularly dangerous in environments where ListMessenger was used for critical communications or email management. Organizations using this version of ListMessenger would have been exposed to significant risk, as attackers could have leveraged this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The impact would have been amplified by the fact that such vulnerabilities often remain undetected for extended periods, providing attackers with prolonged access to compromised systems.
The disputed nature of this vulnerability by the vendor and SecurityTracker's analysis suggests that either the original reporting contained inaccuracies or that the specific conditions required for exploitation were not properly understood. This case demonstrates the complexity inherent in vulnerability assessment and the importance of thorough validation before assigning CVE identifiers. The vendor's assertion that the lm_path variable is set to a constant value would effectively neutralize any potential remote file inclusion attack, as the parameter would not accept user input in a manner that could be exploited. This situation illustrates the importance of proper code review and the need for vendors to provide accurate information during vulnerability disclosure processes. Organizations should maintain vigilance in their vulnerability management practices, ensuring that all reported vulnerabilities are thoroughly validated against actual code behavior rather than relying solely on initial reports. The incident also underscores the value of community-driven security analysis and the role of independent researchers in verifying vulnerability claims.