CVE-2006-3793 in SiteDepth CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in constants.php in SiteDepth CMS 3.01 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SD_DIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3793 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the SiteDepth CMS version 3.01 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides in the constants.php file and manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. The specific parameter SD_DIR serves as the attack vector where malicious actors can inject arbitrary URLs that get processed by the vulnerable application, effectively allowing for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of code from untrusted sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the SD_DIR parameter to point to a remote malicious PHP script hosted on an external server. When the SiteDepth CMS processes this parameter, it includes the remote file without proper validation, leading to the execution of arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK framework as T1059.007 for scripting and T1505.003 for server-side include, representing the attack patterns used to achieve remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, modify existing content, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated SiteDepth CMS installations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where patch management processes are inadequate or delayed. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence. This vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices, as the flaw exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-provided parameters before file inclusion operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3793 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to SiteDepth CMS version 3.02 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation controls that reject any non-local file paths or URLs in parameters that are used for file inclusion operations. Secure coding practices should be enforced to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable values. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in the SD_DIR parameter. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and maintaining up-to-date patch management processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in other software components within the organization's attack surface.