CVE-2006-4036 in ZoneX Publishers Gold Edition
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/usercp_register.php in ZoneMetrics ZoneX Publishers Gold Edition 1.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4036 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that affects ZoneMetrics ZoneX Publishers Gold Edition version 1.0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the usercp_register.php file and specifically targets the phpbb_root_path parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices that fail to adequately filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes the weakness of improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing the weakness of incomplete neutralization of a control sequence. The attack vector leverages the trust placed in the phpbb_root_path parameter without sufficient validation, allowing an attacker to inject malicious URLs that get executed as part of the PHP include process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or perform privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality by allowing unauthorized users to inject and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to service disruption, data loss, or unauthorized access to the underlying system. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to bypass security controls and gain administrative access to the application, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on the affected software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. Organizations should employ allow-list validation techniques that restrict input to known good values rather than attempting to filter out malicious content. The implementation of the principle of least privilege and input sanitization techniques aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and follows the ATT&CK framework's mitigation recommendations for command injection and remote code execution. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while proper code review processes should be enforced to identify and remediate similar flaws during the development lifecycle.