CVE-2006-4489 in MiniBill
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in MiniBill 2006-07-14 (1.2.2) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via (1) a URL in the config[include_dir] parameter in actions/ipn.php or (2) an FTP path in the config[plugin_dir] parameter in include/initPlugins.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4489 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting MiniBill version 1.2.2 released on 2006-07-14. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's configuration handling mechanisms, specifically targeting two distinct entry points that enable attackers to inject malicious file paths. The flaw exists in the application's architecture where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate security checks, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage PHP's include functionality. The first vector targets the config[include_dir] parameter within actions/ipn.php, where an attacker can supply a malicious URL that gets directly included by the application. The second vector operates through the config[plugin_dir] parameter in include/initPlugins.php, allowing attackers to provide an FTP path that gets processed as a file location. Both vectors exploit the fundamental weakness in PHP's file inclusion mechanisms where the include statement processes user-controllable input as if it were a legitimate file path, enabling attackers to load remote code from external servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation allows unauthorized individuals to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the MiniBill application, which is designed for billing and payment processing, making it particularly dangerous for businesses relying on the system for financial transactions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive customer information, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to the improper handling of user input in code execution contexts. The attack pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1133 for "External Remote Services" as attackers utilize remote file inclusion to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1505.003 for "Server Software Component: Web Shell" and T1071.004 for "Application Layer Protocol: DNS" since attackers can leverage DNS resolution to obtain malicious payloads. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling remote file inclusion features, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and applying proper access controls to prevent unauthorized configuration modifications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and input sanitization techniques as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the CERT Secure Coding Standards, emphasizing the critical need for proper parameter validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.