CVE-2006-3819 in TWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in the configure script in TWiki 4.0.0 through 4.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Perl code via an HTTP POST request containing a parameter name starting with "TYPEOF".
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2017
The CVE-2006-3819 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw in TWiki versions 4.0.0 through 4.0.4, specifically within the application's configure script. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" targeting Perl execution. The flaw occurs when the configure script fails to properly sanitize user input parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary Perl code through HTTP POST requests. The vulnerability is triggered when a parameter name begins with the string "TYPEOF", which serves as a trigger for the code injection mechanism within the script's processing logic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of HTTP POST parameters in TWiki's configuration mechanism. When the configure script processes incoming requests, it does not adequately validate or sanitize parameter names that begin with "TYPEOF", enabling attackers to inject malicious Perl code that gets executed within the server context. This type of injection vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists at the application logic level where input validation fails to properly filter user-supplied data before it is processed by the Perl interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3819 is severe and multifaceted, representing a critical risk for any organization running affected TWiki versions. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining full control over the web application and underlying system. The attack vector requires only a simple HTTP POST request, making it easily exploitable through automated tools or manual attack techniques. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistence establishment. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potential compromise of sensitive data stored within TWiki repositories and possible lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable system resides.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3819 should prioritize immediate patching of affected TWiki versions to 4.0.5 or later, which contain the necessary code fixes to properly sanitize input parameters. Organizations should implement network-level defenses such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious POST requests containing parameter names starting with "TYPEOF". Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough input validation reviews of all application components that process user-supplied data, implementing proper sanitization routines that prevent code injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual POST request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.