CVE-2006-3847 in MoSpray
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in (1) admin.php, and possibly (2) details.php, (3) modify.php, (4) newgroup.php, (5) newtask.php, and (6) rss.php, in MoSpray (aka com_mospray) 1.8 RC1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the basedir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3847 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the MoSpray content management system version 1.8 RC1. This vulnerability exists across multiple administrative and functional scripts including admin.php, details.php, modify.php, newgroup.php, newtask.php, and rss.php, all of which are susceptible to manipulation through the basedir parameter. The flaw stems from the application's improper validation of user-supplied input, specifically allowing remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed as PHP include statements. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation in the context of code inclusion. The attack vector leverages the PHP include functionality to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust model within the MoSpray application where the basedir parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in include or require statements. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the application treats it as a legitimate file path and attempts to execute the code contained within the remote resource. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to execute code, and demonstrates how web applications can be compromised through improper input handling. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include data theft, privilege escalation, and the potential for establishing persistent backdoors within the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to remote code execution on the target system. Successful exploitation could result in the complete compromise of the web server, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent access through backdoor installations. The vulnerability affects multiple administrative scripts, meaning that an attacker could potentially access various system functions depending on the permissions of the compromised web application. Organizations using MoSpray version 1.8 RC1 are at significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited without authentication and requires minimal technical expertise to implement. The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects core administrative functionality, potentially allowing attackers to modify user accounts, access confidential information, or even take control of the entire system. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a newer version of MoSpray that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures to prevent the inclusion of external URLs in parameters that are used for file inclusion operations. This includes disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing proper parameter sanitization, and using allowlist-based validation for all input parameters. Security measures should also include monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly focusing on input validation and secure configuration. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that all web applications properly validate and sanitize user input before processing. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should also be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.