CVE-2006-4085 in The Search Engine Project
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Olaf Noehring The Search Engine Project (TSEP) 0.942 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the tsep_config[absPath] parameter to pagenavigation.php, a different vector than CVE-2006-4055. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4085 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Search Engine Project (TSEP) version 0.942 and earlier, specifically affecting the pagenavigation.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw resides in how the application processes the tsep_config[absPath] parameter, which is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the absPath parameter through a URL value that gets processed by the include or require functions within the pagenavigation.php script. When the application accepts this parameter and uses it directly in file inclusion operations, it creates an environment where remote code execution becomes possible. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-98, which describes improper direct object references, and aligns with the broader category of CWE-88, improper input validation, as the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in MITRE ATT&CK technique T1190, known as "Exploit Public-Facing Application," where attackers target web applications to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server environment. Once exploited, adversaries can upload malicious files, establish backdoors, modify existing code, or extract sensitive data from the server. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate execution capabilities but also potentially exposes underlying system information, database credentials, or other sensitive resources that may be accessible through the compromised application. Additionally, the presence of this vulnerability in TSEP 0.942 and earlier versions indicates a lack of proper input validation and secure coding practices, suggesting that similar vulnerabilities may exist in other components of the application or related systems.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching or upgrading of the affected TSEP application to a version that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement proper input validation measures that reject or sanitize any URL values passed to file inclusion functions. The fix should include implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable input values, using absolute paths instead of user-supplied values, and ensuring that all external input is properly escaped or validated. Security measures should also include monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block attempts to exploit such vulnerabilities. Furthermore, developers should follow secure coding guidelines that emphasize the importance of validating all user input, particularly when dealing with file operations and dynamic code execution scenarios. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in web applications, as these fundamental security practices can prevent a wide range of remote code execution vulnerabilities that could otherwise compromise entire server environments.