CVE-2006-3983 in php(Reactor)
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in editprofile.php in php(Reactor) 1.27pl1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pathtohomedir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3983 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpReactor content management system version 1.27pl1. This vulnerability exists within the editprofile.php script and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous web application security assessments over the years. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system by manipulating the pathtohomedir parameter through a URL-based input mechanism. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making them attractive targets for automated attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the phpReactor application. When the application processes the pathtohomedir parameter, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references. The flaw operates by allowing the application to accept user-supplied URLs and subsequently include them as part of the file inclusion process, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations running affected versions of phpReactor. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser-based exploitation, automated scanning tools, or social engineering techniques that trick users into visiting malicious links. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users have access to the vulnerable application and where the application is hosted on publicly accessible web servers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability including applying the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to versions that have resolved the issue. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures that prevent URL-based inputs from being processed in file inclusion contexts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns in the pathtohomedir parameter. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other applications and implement proper input validation across all user-supplied parameters that may be used in file operations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the potential consequences of failing to address known vulnerabilities in web applications.