CVE-2006-3969 in Colophon
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in administrator/components/com_colophon/admin.colophon.php in Colophon 1.2 and earlier for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2024
This vulnerability exists in the Colophon component for Joomla! version 1.2 and earlier, specifically within the administrator/components/com_colophon/admin.colophon.php file. The flaw represents a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file path operations without proper validation or sanitization. The mosConfig_absolute_path parameter serves as the attack vector, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that get processed as file paths during component execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system by leveraging the remote file inclusion mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious request that includes a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. When the vulnerable component processes this input, it treats the provided URL as a legitimate file path and attempts to include and execute the remote file. This creates a chain of execution where attacker-controlled code can be loaded and executed within the context of the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Organizations running affected Joomla for content management, as the compromise of administrative components can lead to complete website takeover and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Joomla! component to version 1.3 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path operations. The use of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. Additionally, administrators should disable unnecessary remote file inclusion features and implement proper access controls to limit the exposure of vulnerable components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping CMS platforms updated and following secure coding practices that prevent parameter injection attacks, which aligns with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.