CVE-2006-4269 in x-shop component
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.x-shop.php in the x-shop component (com_x-shop) 1.7 and earlier for Mambo and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by third party researchers, stating that there is no mosConfig_absolute_path parameter and no admin.x-shop.php file in the reported package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4269 represents a potential remote file inclusion flaw within the x-shop component for Mambo and Joomla! platforms. This issue was classified as affecting versions 1.7 and earlier of the com_x-shop component, which could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through manipulation of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code through improper input handling in web applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the affected component's administrative interface. When the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter was not properly validated, attackers could inject malicious URLs that would be included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through web applications. The flaw likely occurred due to insufficient parameter validation and the use of user-controllable inputs in file inclusion operations without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability could be severe for affected systems, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo or Joomla! with the affected x-shop component would be at significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited without requiring authentication and could be automated through scanning tools. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation could occur from anywhere on the internet.
While third-party researchers have disputed the existence of the specific mosConfig_absolute_path parameter and admin.x-shop.php file mentioned in the original report, the vulnerability landscape of web applications during this period was characterized by numerous similar remote file inclusion issues. The disputed nature of this specific CVE does not diminish the broader category of vulnerabilities it represents, which remains relevant for understanding historical attack patterns and the importance of input validation in web applications. Organizations should focus on implementing robust input validation, using secure coding practices, and maintaining up-to-date software to mitigate similar vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the importance of thorough verification of vulnerability reports and the need for continuous security assessment of web applications.