CVE-2006-4281 in akocomment
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in akocomments.php in AkoComment 1.1 module (com_akocomment) for Mambo 4.5 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 • 08/02/2018
The CVE-2006-4281 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the AkoComment 1.1 module for Mambo 4.5 content management system. This vulnerability resides within the akocomments.php script and demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution weakness that has been prevalent in web applications for decades. The flaw specifically occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code into the application's execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to point to malicious remote URLs containing PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, it effectively includes and executes the remote code within the context of the web server, allowing full control over the affected system. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of input validation failures and remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user-provided data without proper security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4281 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, an attacker can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire Mambo 4.5 ecosystem and demonstrates how legacy content management systems often contain unpatched security flaws that remain exploitable for years after their initial discovery. This particular flaw represents a significant risk to organizations relying on outdated CMS platforms without proper security maintenance or monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. The primary remediation involves patching the affected AkoComment module to version 1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. Organizations should implement strict input validation controls that reject any non-local paths or URLs that do not meet predefined security criteria. Additionally, security measures such as disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configurations, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security updates as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and MITRE ATT&CK matrix categories related to privilege escalation and execution.