CVE-2006-4113 in hitweb
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in genpage-cgi.php in Brian Fraval hitweb 4.2 and possibly earlier versions allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the REP_INC parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4113 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the hitweb content management system version 4.2 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the genpage-cgi.php script which processes user input through the REP_INC parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of external input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which describes improper direct object reference, and more specifically aligns with CWE-88, which addresses command injection through improper input validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload that manipulates the REP_INC parameter to reference external resources. The hitweb application fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in a file inclusion context, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary URLs or file paths that are then processed by the PHP interpreter. When the application attempts to include the specified file, the PHP engine executes any PHP code contained within the remote file, effectively providing the attacker with remote code execution capabilities on the vulnerable server. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes execution through PHP, and T1190, which covers exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its configuration parameters, where legitimate input is being used to access unauthorized resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of web content, installation of backdoors, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but also the underlying server infrastructure, as the attacker can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when the web server has elevated permissions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, making it a high-severity threat that can be leveraged for persistent attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4113 must address both the immediate vulnerability and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should avoid direct use of user input in file path construction and instead employ whitelisting mechanisms or strict parameter validation. The application should be updated to a patched version of hitweb that addresses this specific vulnerability, as version 4.2 and earlier releases are known to contain this flaw. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting file inclusion to known, trusted sources can significantly reduce the risk. Security measures such as disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configuration, using PHP's allow_url_include directive set to off, and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that input validation mechanisms are properly implemented across all software components.