CVE-2006-4052 in PHP Simple Shop
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Turnkey Web Tools PHP Simple Shop 2.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the abs_path parameter to (1) admin/index.php, (2) admin/adminindex.php, (3) admin/adminglobal.php, (4) admin/login.php, (5) admin/menu.php or (6) admin/header.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4052 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Turnkey Web Tools PHP Simple Shop version 2.0 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's administrative interfaces, specifically targeting parameters that handle absolute path references. The vulnerability manifests across six distinct administrative scripts including admin/index.php, admin/adminindex.php, admin/adminglobal.php, admin/login.php, admin/menu.php, and admin/header.php, each susceptible to manipulation through the abs_path parameter.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in os command injection attacks, and more specifically with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious URLs into the abs_path parameter, which then gets processed by the application's include or require functions without proper sanitization. This creates a pathway for remote code execution where attackers can load and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote servers, effectively bypassing the application's intended security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the administrative interfaces of the application, which typically contain sensitive functionality and access to system resources, making the potential damage significantly greater than if the vulnerability were in public-facing components. This weakness directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through PHP.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several defensive measures. The most critical approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. Applications should employ whitelisting mechanisms that only permit predefined safe values for path parameters, rather than accepting arbitrary input. Additionally, the PHP configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion capabilities by setting the allow_url_include directive to off. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure the application remains protected against known vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as firewalls to restrict access to administrative interfaces and monitor for suspicious patterns in network traffic that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as highlighted in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and emphasizes the need for defense-in-depth strategies to protect against such critical remote code execution vulnerabilities.