CVE-2006-4240 in Fusion News
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Fusion News 3.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the fpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4240 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Fusion News 3.7, a content management system that was widely deployed in web environments during the mid-2000s era. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file within the application's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as part of file inclusion operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" within the context of web application exploitation. The attack vector leverages the fpath parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to specify remote URLs that are subsequently included and executed by the vulnerable PHP application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Fusion News application processes user input through the fpath parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. When a malicious user submits a URL as the value for fpath, the application treats this input as a legitimate file path and attempts to include and execute the remote file. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of input validation and proper resource handling, allowing attackers to bypass normal application security controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of unsafe dynamic code execution where user-controllable variables are directly incorporated into file inclusion functions such as include() or require() without proper security checks or context validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with extensive capabilities to compromise entire web infrastructure. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, complete server takeover, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, establish persistent access, and conduct further reconnaissance activities. The implications are particularly severe for organizations using Fusion News 3.7, as the vulnerability allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. This makes it an attractive target for automated attacks and exploits, potentially affecting numerous installations across different organizations. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the flaw occurs due to insufficient restrictions on file inclusion operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4240 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of security controls to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of Fusion News that addresses this vulnerability, as the original software vendor likely released patches to resolve the insecure file inclusion practices. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent malicious input from being processed as file paths. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion features where possible and implement strict file access controls. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project, specifically addressing issues related to insecure direct object references and code injection vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns of insecure file handling practices that could lead to comparable vulnerabilities.