CVE-2006-4077 in Comet Webfile Manager
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in CheckUpload.php in Vincenzo Valvano Comet WebFileManager (CWFM) 0.9.1, and possibly earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the Language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4077 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Vincenzo Valvano Comet WebFileManager version 0.9.1 and potentially earlier iterations. This security weakness resides in the CheckUpload.php script, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into file operations. The specific parameter targeted is the Language parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can lead to unauthorized code execution on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, both of which are classified under CWE-22 and CWE-94 respectively in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the Language parameter to the CheckUpload.php script. The web application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote attacker to include arbitrary PHP files from external locations. This creates a pathway for code execution that can be leveraged to gain control over the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw demonstrates a classic remote code execution vulnerability that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves using remote services to execute code on target systems. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, and potentially gain access to sensitive information stored on the web server. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific version of CWFM mentioned, but given the nature of the flaw, it is highly probable that earlier versions contain similar weaknesses due to the absence of proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations utilizing this web application are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a launching point for further attacks within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers of varying skill levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a version that resolves this issue, as no specific patch information is available in the public domain for this particular vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent malicious URLs from being processed by the application. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar flaws in other applications, as this type of issue commonly occurs in legacy web applications that lack modern security controls and input validation mechanisms.