CVE-2006-3917 in PHP Forge
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/gabarits.php in R. Corson PHP Forge 3 beta 2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cfg_racine parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3917 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the R. Corson PHP Forge 3 beta 2 and earlier versions. This issue resides in the inc/gabarits.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the cfg_racine parameter which serves as a critical input point for determining the root directory path within the application's configuration structure. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the application blindly includes the specified remote file without adequate validation, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, which is closely related to the broader class of command injection flaws. The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion pattern where user-controllable input directly influences the file inclusion mechanism. The flaw operates at the application logic level where the software assumes that all input from external sources is safe and properly formatted, failing to implement proper input sanitization or validation measures. The absence of proper parameter filtering allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting attacker-controlled PHP code, which then gets executed within the context of the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, which can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the system, making it a critical concern for any organization running affected versions of PHP Forge. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of PHP Forge that properly validates and sanitizes the cfg_racine parameter before processing. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering to reject suspicious URL patterns and ensure that only legitimate file paths are accepted. The implementation of secure coding practices such as parameterized queries and strict input validation aligns with the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and follows the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for command and control operations. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious traffic attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent future occurrences of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.