CVE-2006-3748 in LoudMouth
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/abbc/abbc.class.php in the LoudMouth Component for Mambo 4.0j, and possibly other versions including 4.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The CVE-2006-3748 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that affected the LoudMouth Component for Mambo 4.0j and potentially other versions including 4.1. This vulnerability resides within the includes/abbc/abbc.class.php file and demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration that enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The flaw specifically exploits the improper handling of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is used to define the absolute path for the Mambo application. When this parameter is manipulated through user input without proper sanitization, it creates an opportunity for remote code execution through malicious URL inclusion.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability operates by allowing an attacker to inject a malicious URL into the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is then processed by the PHP application without adequate validation or sanitization. This creates a path traversal scenario where the application's file inclusion mechanism is leveraged to load and execute remote code from attacker-controlled servers. The flaw essentially transforms a legitimate file inclusion feature into a weapon for remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that do not properly validate user-supplied input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within a network. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1566 for initial access through web application attacks. The vulnerability affects not just Mambo 4.0j but also potentially other versions including 4.1, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple versions of the Mambo content management system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3748 should focus on immediate patching of affected versions, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious inclusion attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, using allow_url_include = Off in php.ini settings, and implementing strict input validation routines that prevent URL schemes from being accepted in critical parameters. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter validation, particularly when dealing with file inclusion mechanisms in web applications. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components and ensure that all web applications maintain up-to-date security configurations. The flaw serves as a historical example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise and highlights the critical need for defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of security controls to prevent such attacks from succeeding.