CVE-2006-4322 in estateagent
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in estateagent.php in the EstateAgent component (com_estateagent) for Mambo, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2017
The CVE-2006-4322 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the EstateAgent component for Mambo CMS, specifically affecting the estateagent.php script. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and unsafe file handling practices within the component's configuration parameter processing. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages the deprecated register_globals PHP configuration setting, which automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and Cookie data. When this setting is enabled, malicious actors can manipulate the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to inject arbitrary URLs that get included and executed as PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined pattern that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. The vulnerability exists because the EstateAgent component directly incorporates user-supplied input from the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter without proper sanitization or validation before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario where an attacker can inject malicious PHP code through a URL parameter, bypassing normal security controls and gaining unauthorized access to the server's file system and execution capabilities. The vulnerability is classified under ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through web applications, making it particularly dangerous in web hosting environments where multiple applications share the same infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4322 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server when register_globals is enabled. This vulnerability enables attackers to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the EstateAgent component but potentially the entire Mambo CMS installation, as the flawed parameter handling could be exploited across multiple components if similar patterns exist. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo CMS face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where sensitive customer information is stored in real estate databases managed by the EstateAgent component.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4322 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying architectural issues that enabled the flaw. The primary defense is to disable the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which immediately eliminates the attack vector by preventing automatic creation of global variables from user input. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, ensuring that any path or URL values are strictly validated against expected formats and sources. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of Mambo CMS and the EstateAgent component, as well as implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious URL parameter patterns. Security best practices dictate that organizations should also conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure that all PHP applications properly validate and sanitize input data before using it in file operations, thereby preventing similar remote file inclusion scenarios from occurring in the future.