CVE-2006-4498 in PhpAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in sommaire_admin.php in PhpAlbum (mod_phpalbum) 2.15 for PortailPHP allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the chemin parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-3922.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4498 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PhpAlbum module for PortailPHP version 2.15. This security weakness resides in the sommaire_admin.php component and demonstrates a classic pattern of insecure input handling that enables attackers to inject malicious code through crafted URL parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the chemin parameter, which is processed without adequate validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable path for remote code execution. This issue falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a variant of the more commonly known remote file inclusion vulnerabilities that have plagued web applications for decades.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the chemin parameter, which is then incorporated into the application's file inclusion mechanism. When the sommaire_admin.php script processes this parameter, it fails to validate the input against a whitelist of acceptable values or perform proper sanitization of the URL content. This allows the attacker to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed on the server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables full remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to systems running the affected PortailPHP version with the PhpAlbum module. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and complete server takeover. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate code execution as it can be used to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. Organizations utilizing this vulnerable software face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments handling sensitive information. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerable systems at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4498 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected software to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations must implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for parameter validation provides the most effective defense against this type of attack. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-22 categories, representing weaknesses in input validation and path traversal that are commonly addressed through secure coding practices and proper application design. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability operates through standard HTTP protocols and can be identified through network traffic analysis.