CVE-2006-4277 in Tutti Nova
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Tutti Nova 1.6 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the TNLIB_DIR parameter to (1) include/novalib/class.novaAdmin.mysql.php and (2) novalib/class.novaRead.mysql.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4277 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Tutti Nova version 1.6 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input through the TNLIB_DIR parameter, which is processed in two specific PHP include files. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow by injecting malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability fundamentally undermines the application's security model by enabling attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Tutti Nova application's configuration handling mechanism. When the application processes the TNLIB_DIR parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in include statements. This creates a path traversal scenario where attacker-controlled input can be directly incorporated into the file inclusion process. The vulnerability specifically affects two files: include/novalib/class.novaAdmin.mysql.php and novalib/class.novaRead.mysql.php, both of which are susceptible to manipulation through the TNLIB_DIR parameter. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference combined with remote file inclusion, where the application's trust model is violated by accepting unvalidated external input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected systems. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload and execute malicious scripts, access sensitive data, modify application behavior, and establish persistent backdoors. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be exploited from any remote location, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications within the application ecosystem. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using affected versions of Tutti Nova face significant risk of unauthorized access to their systems and data repositories. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, as attackers can potentially gain elevated system privileges through the execution of malicious code. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue also indicates that it may be exploited through various attack vectors including web application attacks, social engineering, or automated scanning tools that target known vulnerable applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must upgrade to patched versions of Tutti Nova or implement proper input sanitization measures to prevent untrusted input from being processed in include statements. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization, using allowlists for valid paths, and avoiding dynamic include statements that incorporate user-supplied data. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious include patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution scenarios, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes.