CVE-2006-4045 in Torbstoff News
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in news.php in Torbstoff News 4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pfad parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4045 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Torbstoff News 4 content management system, specifically affecting the news.php script. This vulnerability resides in the pfad parameter handling mechanism where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the pfad parameter with a URL containing arbitrary PHP code, enabling remote code execution on the vulnerable system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 Improper Control of Generation of Code, which specifically addresses situations where user input is used to construct code or file paths without adequate sanitization or validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the pfad parameter to the news.php script. The application then processes this input without proper validation, treating the supplied URL as a legitimate file path and attempting to include and execute the remote PHP code. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code in the context of the web server process, which typically has elevated privileges and can access sensitive system resources. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 Remote File Inclusion where adversaries leverage applications that allow file inclusion from remote sources to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. Organizations running affected versions of Torbstoff News 4 face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability, which is particularly severe as it allows attackers to operate without requiring local system access or authentication. This type of vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests, making it highly accessible to threat actors with basic technical knowledge. The impact is further compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a widely used content management system, increasing the potential attack surface and attack frequency.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4045 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed through the pfad parameter, including strict validation of URL formats and rejection of external resource inclusion. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional defense-in-depth layers by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. Security hardening practices should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy applications. The remediation process should also include monitoring for indicators of compromise such as unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized file modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts.