CVE-2006-4158 in Spaminator
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Login.php in Spaminator 1.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4158 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Spaminator web application version 1.7 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the Login.php script where user input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate the page parameter, which is used to determine which page to include or display during the login process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs and passing them as the page parameter value, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. The flaw operates through the PHP include or require functions that accept user-supplied input directly from the page parameter. When an attacker supplies a URL as the parameter value, the web application processes this input and attempts to include the remote file, effectively executing any PHP code contained within that remote resource. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious payloads and gain unauthorized access to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for affected systems as it allows remote code execution without authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this flaw to deploy web shells, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application behavior, or establish persistent access to compromised servers. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation, data breaches, and system compromise that could affect the entire infrastructure. The vulnerability affects all versions of Spaminator up to and including 1.7, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of this application during that time period.
The exploitation of this vulnerability directly maps to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can utilize this flaw as part of a broader attack chain, potentially combining it with other vulnerabilities to achieve comprehensive system compromise. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the application to version 1.8 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the Login.php script. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, using allowlists for acceptable page parameters, and disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration provide layered defenses against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify and remediate similar insecure coding practices that could lead to remote code execution vulnerabilities in their systems.