CVE-2006-3754 in FlushCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Include/editor/rich_files/class.rich.php in FlushCMS 1.0.0-pre2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the class_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3754 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within FlushCMS version 1.0.0-pre2 and earlier releases. This issue resides in the Include/editor/rich_files/class.rich.php file where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the class_path parameter receives a URL value that triggers remote code execution, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, which encompasses improper execution of code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL and pass it through the class_path parameter during the application's file inclusion process. When the vulnerable application processes this input without proper sanitization, it attempts to include the remote file specified in the URL, effectively executing any PHP code contained within that remote resource. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and secure coding practices, as the application should never blindly accept user input for file inclusion operations without proper verification and sanitization. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which involves executing commands through various interfaces.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. An attacker could use this vulnerability to upload malicious files, create backdoors, or escalate privileges within the application environment. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet. Organizations running FlushCMS versions prior to the patched release face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication requirements. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious payload URL that, when included through the vulnerable parameter, executes the attacker's code within the context of the web application. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation, using secure coding practices, and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent such remote code execution scenarios. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader assessment of remote file inclusion risks and ensure that all file inclusion operations are properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable values. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the FlushCMS application, but also necessitates implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application stack.