CVE-2006-4008 in Faq
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Knusperleicht Faq 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the faq_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4008 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Knusperleicht Faq 1.0 web application. This issue resides within the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the faq_path parameter which is used to determine the path to FAQ files. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the application blindly includes and executes the remote file, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution threats that have been consistently documented in security frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where the application's lack of input sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious URLs into the faq_path parameter. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied input, enabling an attacker to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior. When the application processes a malicious URL in the faq_path parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file as if it were a local file, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through scripting languages. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4008 is significant as it provides attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring authentication or prior access. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely through web browsers or automated scanning tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where web applications are exposed to the internet. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server for further attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles and can be traced to common weaknesses in web application security. Organizations running affected versions of Knusperleicht Faq 1.0 face substantial risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-94 indicates a direct object reference manipulation that can result in code injection, while its exploitation aligns with ATT&CK tactics focused on privilege escalation and persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4008 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling remote file inclusion features and ensuring that all user-supplied input is strictly validated and sanitized before being processed by the application. Organizations should implement whitelisting approaches for file paths, where only pre-approved file locations are allowed for inclusion. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the input validation flaw, as the vulnerability was likely resolved in subsequent releases of the Knusperleicht Faq software. Security configurations should include disabling the ability to include remote files through the application's configuration settings, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns in the faq_path parameter. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's infrastructure, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in poorly secured web applications. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to ensure proper handling of user input and preventing similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.