CVE-2006-4366 in RedBLoG
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in RedBLoG 0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_path parameter. 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 • 08/02/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4366 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the RedBLoG 0.5 content management system. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the root_path parameter. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that can be executed as PHP code on the target server, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without authentication and can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The root cause stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the root_path parameter. When the application accepts user-supplied input and directly incorporates it into file inclusion operations without adequate security checks, it creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the execution flow. This particular vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1505.003, which involves using remote file inclusion to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying content, or establishing persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that dynamically include files based on user input, making it a common target for automated scanning tools and exploit frameworks that specifically target known remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the RedBLoG 0.5 application to address the input validation flaw. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization and validation techniques, including whitelisting acceptable values for the root_path parameter and using secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion with untrusted input. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar flaws in other applications within the attack surface. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring capabilities to detect unauthorized access attempts.