CVE-2006-3984 in Phpauction
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in phpAdsNew/view.inc.php in Albasoftware Phpauction 2.1 and possibly later versions, with phpAdsNew 2.0.5, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpAds_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3984 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Albasoftware Phpauction 2.1 and potentially later versions, specifically within the phpAdsNew component. This vulnerability resides in the view.inc.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern that enables attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution through manipulation of the phpAds_path parameter, which is processed without proper input validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When the phpAds_path parameter is passed to the application, it is directly used in a require or include statement without adequate security checks. This creates an environment where an attacker can supply a malicious URL that points to external PHP scripts, effectively allowing the application to execute arbitrary code on the server. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-98 and CWE-88, which classify this as a remote file inclusion vulnerability and improper input validation respectively, both of which are categorized under the broader category of injection flaws in the CWE hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application and underlying infrastructure, as it allows for unauthorized access and potential data exfiltration. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in the context of the ATT&CK framework where it would be classified under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how attackers can move laterally and maintain persistence within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ whitelisting approaches where only predetermined, trusted paths are allowed for inclusion, rather than accepting user-supplied paths directly. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, as this functionality is rarely necessary for legitimate operations. Security headers and proper error handling should also be implemented to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in exploiting similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential injection points and ensure that all input is properly validated before being processed by the application. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent such fundamental flaws from being introduced in the first place.