CVE-2006-4282 in MamboWiki
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in MamboLogin.php in the MamboWiki component (com_mambowiki) 0.9.6 and earlier for Mambo and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the IP parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4282 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the MamboWiki component version 0.9.6 and earlier, affecting both Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability resides in the MamboLogin.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern that enables attackers to manipulate input parameters and execute malicious code remotely. The flaw specifically occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the IP parameter, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code, particularly in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation in the MamboWiki component's login functionality. When the IP parameter is passed to the MamboLogin.php script, the application does not adequately sanitize or validate this input before using it in file inclusion operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs in the IP parameter that point to remote malicious files, thereby enabling the execution of arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code, and represents a fundamental failure in input sanitization and secure coding practices. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow full system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive server resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4282 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to gain unauthorized access to vulnerable systems. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Organizations running affected versions of Mambo or Joomla! with the vulnerable MamboWiki component are at significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, and the installation of additional malware, making it a critical concern for security teams and system administrators. This flaw also demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls through the manipulation of a single parameter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4282 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched version of the MamboWiki component, as version 0.9.7 and later contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including server-side validation of all user-supplied parameters, and ensure that the application does not accept external URLs for file inclusion operations. Additional protective measures include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability, and establish monitoring procedures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the applied fixes do not introduce new issues, and that all affected systems are properly updated and verified as secure.