CVE-2006-4195 in peoplebook
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in param.peoplebook.php in the Peoplebook Component for Mambo (com_peoplebook) 1.0 and earlier, and possibly 1.1.2, when register_globals and allow_url_fopen are enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The CVE-2006-4195 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Peoplebook Component for Mambo CMS, specifically affecting versions 1.0 and earlier, with potential impact on version 1.1.2. This vulnerability resides in the param.peoplebook.php script and demonstrates a classic insecure parameter handling issue that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-98 and CWE-88. The flaw occurs when the vulnerable application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary code execution payloads through the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires specific environmental conditions to be met, including the activation of register_globals and allow_url_fopen PHP configuration settings. When these conditions are present, attackers can manipulate the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to point to remote malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers. This creates a remote code execution scenario where the target server will fetch and execute the malicious code from the remote location, effectively granting attackers full control over the affected system. The vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation through remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against other systems within the network perimeter. The vulnerability affects web applications that use the Mambo CMS platform, which was widely deployed in enterprise and organizational environments during the mid-2000s, making it a significant threat vector for organizations operating legacy systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4195 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the vulnerable configuration settings register_globals and allow_url_fopen within the PHP environment, as these settings directly enable the exploitation vector. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are rigorously validated before being processed by the application. Additionally, regular security patching and vulnerability assessment programs should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues throughout the application stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly focusing on input validation and secure configuration management as outlined in CWE-170 and CWE-276.