CVE-2006-4533 in Plume
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Plume CMS 1.0.6 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the _PX_config[manager_path] parameter to (1) articles.php, (2) categories.php, (3) news.php, (4) prefs.php, (5) sites.php, (6) subtypes.php, (7) users.php, (8) xmedia.php, (9) frontinc/class.template.php, (10) inc/lib.text.php, (11) install/index.php, (12) install/upgrade.php, and (13) tools/htaccess/index.php. NOTE: other vectors are covered by CVE-2006-3562, CVE-2006-2645, and CVE-2006-0725.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4533 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Plume CMS versions 1.0.6 and earlier. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's core files, specifically targeting the _PX_config[manager_path] parameter. The vulnerability exists across multiple entry points including articles.php, categories.php, news.php, and numerous other core files, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the fundamental architecture of the content management system. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the manager_path parameter, effectively bypassing the application's intended security boundaries.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion statements without proper validation or sanitization. The affected files span across the application's core functionality including class.template.php, lib.text.php, and various installation and administrative scripts. The vulnerability exploits the PHP include() or require() functions by allowing attackers to pass malicious URLs or file paths that get executed as PHP code on the server. This type of vulnerability is classified as a server-side include injection, where the application treats attacker-controlled input as executable code rather than data.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4533 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially gaining shell access or escalating privileges to the system level. The attack surface is extensive due to the multiple affected files, meaning that an attacker can target different parts of the application depending on their objectives. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1078 for Valid Accounts. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not just the application's functionality but also compromises the underlying server infrastructure, making it a critical concern for any organization using affected Plume CMS versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Plume CMS application to version 1.0.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the remote file inclusion flaws. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious parameters from being processed, particularly focusing on the _PX_config[manager_path] variable. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are not accessible through web directories. Network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious file inclusion patterns. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as using whitelisting for file inclusion parameters, implementing proper input validation, and avoiding direct user input in dynamic code execution contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar patterns in their codebase and ensure that all third-party applications are kept up to date with security patches.