CVE-2006-4229 in mosListMessenger Component
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in archive.php in the mosListMessenger Component (com_lm) before 20060719 for Mambo and Joomla! 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 • 06/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4229 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the mosListMessenger component of Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This security weakness resides in the archive.php script and specifically affects versions prior to the 20060719 release of the com_lm component. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems by manipulating the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter through URL-based input. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code, particularly in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves the insecure handling of user-supplied input within the archive.php file where the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a remote file reference in this parameter, the vulnerable application processes this input and attempts to include the specified remote file, thereby executing any PHP code contained within it. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic pattern of remote file inclusion attacks that have been documented in various security frameworks and threat models, including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to upload and execute malicious payloads, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects both Mambo and Joomla! platforms, which were widely used content management systems at the time, meaning that a significant number of websites could be vulnerable. Organizations running affected versions faced critical security risks, as the flaw enabled attackers to bypass traditional security controls and gain unauthorized access to server resources. The implications include potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, particularly for organizations handling sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4229 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. The primary remediation involves updating to the patched version of the mosListMessenger component released on or after July 19, 2006, which implements proper parameter validation and prevents the inclusion of external URLs in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation mechanisms that filter or reject suspicious URL patterns and employ secure coding practices that avoid direct user input incorporation into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of the principle of least privilege and proper parameter handling as outlined in secure coding standards. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar insecure coding practices that could lead to analogous remote file inclusion scenarios. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual file inclusion patterns can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.