CVE-2006-3774 in perForms Component
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in performs.php in the perForms component (com_performs) 1.0 and earlier for Joomla! 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 • 07/12/2021
The CVE-2006-3774 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Joomla! content management system's perForms component version 1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the performs.php script and demonstrates a classic insecure parameter handling issue that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs into the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which then gets processed without proper validation, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of input sanitization in the Joomla! component's parameter handling mechanism. When the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter is passed to performs.php, the application fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates a scenario where an attacker can supply a malicious URL that points to remote PHP code, which gets executed on the target server. The vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates how parameter manipulation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects any Joomla! installation running the vulnerable perForms component, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple sites share common infrastructure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through web application interfaces.
Security mitigations for CVE-2006-3774 primarily involve immediate patching and updates to the Joomla! platform and its components. System administrators should upgrade to versions of the perForms component that address this vulnerability, typically version 1.1 or later. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent similar issues in other applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and proper access controls should be deployed to limit exposure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in web applications that handle user-supplied data through parameters. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild.