CVE-2006-3990 in Mosets Tree
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Paul M. Jones Savant2, possibly when used with the com_mtree component for Mambo and Joomla!, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter in (1) Savant2_Plugin_stylesheet.php, (2) Savant2_Compiler_basic.php, (3) Savant2_Error_pear.php, (4) Savant2_Error_stack.php, (5) Savant2_Filter_colorizeCode.php, (6) Savant2_Filter_trimwhitespace.php, (7) Savant2_Plugin_ahref.php, (8) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefcontact.php, (9) Savant2_Plugin_ahreflisting.php, (10) Savant2_Plugin_ahreflistingimage.php, (11) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefmap.php, (12) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefownerlisting.php, (13) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefprint.php, (14) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefrating.php, (15) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefrecommend.php, (16) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefreport.php, (17) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefreview.php, (18) Savant2_Plugin_ahrefvisit.php, (19) Savant2_Plugin_checkbox.php, (20) Savant2_Plugin_cycle.php, (21) Savant2_Plugin_dateformat.php, (22) Savant2_Plugin_editor.php, (23) Savant2_Plugin_form.php, (24) Savant2_Plugin_image.php, (25) Savant2_Plugin_input.php, (26) Savant2_Plugin_javascript.php, (27) Savant2_Plugin_listalpha.php, (28) Savant2_Plugin_listingname.php, (29) Savant2_Plugin_modify.php, (30) Savant2_Plugin_mtpath.php, (31) Savant2_Plugin_options.php, (32) Savant2_Plugin_radios.php, (33) Savant2_Plugin_rating.php, or (34) Savant2_Plugin_textarea.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Savant2 template system, which was widely used in Mambo and Joomla! content management systems during the mid-2000s. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is processed through multiple PHP files within the Savant2 framework. When an attacker can manipulate this parameter, they can inject arbitrary URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability falls under CWE-829, which describes the inclusion of code from an untrusted source, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The technical exploitation occurs when the vulnerable application accepts user-supplied input for the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter without proper validation or sanitization. The affected files demonstrate a pattern where the parameter is directly used in include or require statements, creating a path traversal condition that allows remote code execution. This flaw exists across multiple Savant2 plugin and compiler files, indicating a systemic design issue rather than an isolated incident. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because these files are commonly used in web applications, making the attack surface particularly broad and affecting numerous installations of Mambo and Joomla! systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or perform data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects not just individual components but entire content management systems, as the Savant2 framework was integrated into various Joomla! and Mambo extensions. This makes the attack particularly dangerous for organizations relying on these platforms, as successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system integrity compromise, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected versions of Savant2 and the underlying CMS platforms, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious inclusion attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web server accounts, disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configuration, and conducting thorough security audits of third-party components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter validation, particularly in applications that dynamically include external resources, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes.