CVE-2006-4263 in phpShop
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the Product Scroller Module and other modules in mambo-phpshop (com_phpshop) for Mambo and Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter in (1) mod_phpshop.php, (2) mod_phpshop_allinone.php, (3) mod_phpshop_cart.php, (4) mod_phpshop_featureprod.php, (5) mod_phpshop_latestprod.php, (6) mod_product_categories.php, (7) mod_productscroller.php, and (8) mosproductsnap.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4263 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting the mambo-phpshop component suite for Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability resides in multiple modules including the Product Scroller Module and various phpshop modules that handle product display and shopping cart functionality. The flaw specifically targets the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter which is improperly validated and sanitized, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious PHP code through remote file inclusion techniques. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Command Injection and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how web application flaws can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on target systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the affected modules. When the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter is passed to any of the listed files, the application fails to properly verify the input source, allowing remote attackers to supply a URL that points to malicious code hosted on external servers. This remote file inclusion vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple files within the phpshop module ecosystem, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can target any of the eight vulnerable files to achieve their objectives. The flaw demonstrates a classic insecure parameter handling issue where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo or Joomla! with the affected phpshop modules installed. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, and the installation of backdoors or additional malware. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to web servers, potentially using the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just individual websites but entire web application ecosystems, as the compromised systems can be used for phishing, spam distribution, or as part of botnet operations. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage when such vulnerabilities are exploited.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. The primary recommendation involves patching the affected modules to implement proper parameter validation and ensure that the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter is strictly validated against known safe values. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, and consider disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations where possible. Input sanitization techniques should be implemented to prevent malicious URLs from being processed, and access controls should be strengthened to limit the exposure of vulnerable components. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other web applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping CMS platforms and third-party extensions updated, as many of these issues can be resolved through timely patch management and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar remote file inclusion scenarios from occurring in the future.