CVE-2006-4456 in phpECard
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in functions.php in phpECard 2.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4456 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpECard 2.1.4 software suite and earlier versions. This vulnerability resides in the functions.php file where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into the include_path parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are then processed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a significant security risk for web applications that rely on dynamic file inclusion mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate the include_path parameter through user input, typically via GET or POST parameters that are then passed to the functions.php script. When the application processes this parameter without adequate sanitization or validation, it allows the attacker to specify a remote URL that contains malicious PHP code. The PHP interpreter then fetches and executes this remote code as if it were part of the local application, effectively granting the attacker complete control over the affected server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Remote Code Execution technique, specifically under the T1059.007 sub-technique for PHP.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4456 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially the entire server environment, as PHP applications often have access to system resources and database connections. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpECard face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive information or serves as a critical business component. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4456 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of phpECard that addresses this vulnerability, as the original software vendor has released updates to resolve the issue. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into include_path parameters. This includes using allowlist-based validation techniques and avoiding dynamic file inclusion where possible. Security configurations should enforce the use of absolute paths instead of relative paths or URLs, and the php.ini configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion features when not strictly necessary. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of protection by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components.