CVE-2006-3776 in AutoHost
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in order/index.php in IDevSpot (1) PhpHostBot 1.0 and (2) AutoHost 3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3776 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting IDevSpot's PhpHostBot 1.0 and AutoHost 3.0 software products. This vulnerability resides within the order/index.php component where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the page parameter receives a URL value that is then processed by the application's include or require functions, creating an avenue for remote code execution. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and more specifically aligns with CWE-88, concerning improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the page parameter, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code within the page parameter of the vulnerable application. When the application processes this parameter, it inadvertently includes and executes the malicious code from the remote location, effectively granting the attacker remote command execution capabilities. The attack vector leverages the PHP language's ability to include files dynamically, which becomes dangerous when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code, and T1059, covering the execution of commands through PHP scripts. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it allows for arbitrary code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution to encompass broader security implications for affected systems. Organizations running these versions of PhpHostBot or AutoHost face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web application. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, avoid dynamic file inclusion with user-supplied input, and consider using secure coding practices such as whitelisting acceptable values. The vulnerability also demonstrates the necessity of regular security updates and patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability exemplifies the broader class of insecure direct object references and improper input validation issues that plague many web applications. The flaw represents a failure in the application's security design phase where proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms were not implemented. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities typically requires minimal technical expertise, making them attractive targets for attackers across different skill levels. Security professionals should note that similar vulnerabilities have been documented in numerous other applications and frameworks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in the highest severity category, requiring immediate attention and remediation. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues within their application portfolios and implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent such attacks. The incident also underscores the importance of adhering to secure coding standards and conducting regular security training for development teams to prevent the introduction of similar flaws in future applications.