CVE-2006-4368 in IntegraMOD Portal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions_portal.php in IntegraMOD Portal 2.x and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4368 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the IntegraMOD Portal 2.x and earlier versions, specifically affecting the includes/functions_portal.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the phpbb_root_path parameter, which is subsequently used to include PHP files. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to leverage the application's legitimate file inclusion mechanisms to load malicious code from remote servers, effectively bypassing normal security controls and access restrictions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the phpbb_root_path parameter to the vulnerable application. The application then processes this input without adequate sanitization, leading to the inclusion of the attacker-controlled remote file. This process typically involves the use of PHP's include or require functions, which execute code from the specified path. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-88 due to improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query, and it directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be initiated through web-based interfaces without requiring direct system access, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors including automated scanners.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and perform further reconnaissance within the compromised network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the application, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, service disruption, and unauthorized modifications to the web application's functionality. Organizations running affected versions of IntegraMOD Portal face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where the application serves as a portal for sensitive information or user authentication. The vulnerability also impacts the availability of services as attackers can potentially disrupt normal application operations through malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4368 focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent untrusted data from being processed as file paths. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of IntegraMOD Portal where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper parameter validation and input sanitization. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and using allow_url_include = Off in php.ini can prevent exploitation. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other applications, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy systems. The implementation of principle of least privilege and network segmentation can further reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation by limiting the attacker's ability to move laterally within the network infrastructure.