CVE-2006-3735 in Mail2Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Mail2Forum (module for phpBB) 1.2 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the m2f_root_path parameter to (1) m2f/m2f_phpbb204.php, (2) m2f/m2f_forum.php, (3) m2f/m2f_mailinglist.php or (4) m2f/m2f_cron.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3735 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Mail2Forum version 1.2 and earlier, which serves as a module for phpBB platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the m2f_root_path parameter within four distinct phpBB module files including m2f_phpbb204.php, m2f_forum.php, m2f_mailinglist.php, and m2f_cron.php. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that has been prevalent in web applications since the early 2000s.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the m2f_root_path parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable phpBB module without proper validation. When the application attempts to include the specified file path, it inadvertently executes arbitrary PHP code from the remote server, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3735 is severe and multifaceted, particularly within phpBB environments where Mail2Forum modules are deployed. Organizations running affected versions face immediate risks of unauthorized code execution, data breaches, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Additionally, the presence of multiple affected files within the module increases the attack surface and provides attackers with several potential entry points. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices in the phpBB ecosystem, where input validation and parameter sanitization were not properly implemented, leading to a situation where user-controllable variables could directly influence system behavior.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3735 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Mail2Forum that addresses the remote file inclusion flaw, as the original vulnerable versions are no longer supported and lack security updates. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied data from being used in file inclusion operations, including the implementation of allowlists for valid file paths and the use of absolute paths instead of user-controllable parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block requests containing suspicious patterns in the m2f_root_path parameter. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable module and ensure that proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms are in place to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security updates in web application environments.