CVE-2006-4166 in TinyWebGallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in TinyWebGallery 1.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the image parameter to (1) image.php or (2) image.php2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4166 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in TinyWebGallery version 1.5 and earlier, specifically affecting the image.php and image.php2 scripts. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, where the image parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize URL inputs before processing. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the image parameter with remote URLs, effectively bypassing the intended local file access controls. The vulnerability operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms. This issue falls squarely within the attack pattern category of CWE-88, where command-line arguments are manipulated to include malicious code, though in this case the manipulation occurs through HTTP parameters rather than command-line inputs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted URL in the image parameter of the affected scripts. The web application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote file inclusion to occur. When the application attempts to include or process the remote file, it executes any PHP code contained within the remote resource, providing attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities on the target system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The attack vector aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting PHP interpreter execution through remote file inclusion. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate security controls around file inclusion operations, which are fundamental requirements in secure web application development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and underlying system, making it a critical security concern for any organization using affected versions of TinyWebGallery. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the web server has elevated privileges or access to sensitive databases and internal systems. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as proper parameter sanitization could have prevented the exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and secure coding practices. The most effective solution involves updating to TinyWebGallery version 1.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement input sanitization measures that reject or properly encode any URL parameters before processing, ensuring that only legitimate local file paths are accepted. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations, where only pre-approved file paths are permitted, provides additional protection. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP settings and implementing proper access controls. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. The mitigation approach aligns with the defense-in-depth principle and addresses the underlying CWE-98 weakness through multiple layers of security controls. Organizations should also implement proper code review processes to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other applications, following secure coding guidelines and industry standards such as those established by OWASP and NIST.