CVE-2006-4470 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Joomla! before 1.0.11 omits some checks for whether _VALID_MOS is defined, which allows attackers to have an unknown impact, possibly resulting in PHP remote file inclusion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4470 affects Joomla! content management systems prior to version 1.0.11, representing a critical security flaw in the application's input validation mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient validation of the _VALID_MOS constant, which serves as a crucial security check within Joomla's architecture. The vulnerability exists in the core framework's handling of certain PHP includes and can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw specifically relates to the absence of proper validation checks that should verify the existence and proper definition of the _VALID_MOS constant before proceeding with critical operations. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's execution flow through crafted input parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of input sanitization in the Joomla core's include file processing mechanism, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through specially crafted requests. When the _VALID_MOS constant is not properly validated, the system may proceed with including files from external sources, potentially enabling remote file inclusion attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to execute malicious code. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious parameters to the application that bypass the intended security checks, allowing the system to process untrusted input as if it were legitimate.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over affected systems. The unspecified nature of the impact underscores the severity of the flaw, as it could enable various attack scenarios including data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Joomla! face significant risk of unauthorized access, as the vulnerability could be exploited without requiring special privileges or advanced technical knowledge. The remote file inclusion aspect of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in web environments where applications are accessible from external networks. Attackers could leverage this weakness to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or perform other malicious activities that compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4470 primarily involve immediate upgrading to Joomla! version 1.0.11 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the validation flaw. System administrators should also implement proper input validation measures and ensure that all applications are kept up to date with the latest security releases. Additional protective measures include configuring proper file permissions, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper constant validation and input sanitization in PHP applications, serving as a reminder of the critical need for robust security practices in web development. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive monitoring of their web applications for potential exploitation attempts.