CVE-2006-4583 in FlashChat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in FlashChat before 4.6.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir[inc] parameter in (1) inc/cmses/aedatingCMS.php, (2) inc/cmses/aedatingCMS2.php, or (3) inc/cmses/aedating4CMS.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4583 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting FlashChat versions prior to 4.6.2. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input through the dir[inc] parameter, which is processed in three specific PHP include files. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating URL parameters, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could compromise the entire web server hosting the vulnerable application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in include or require statements. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in the dir[inc] parameter, the PHP interpreter processes this input as a legitimate file path, potentially loading and executing remote code from attacker-controlled servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over the affected web server. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1190, this vulnerability enables adversaries to conduct remote code execution against target systems, while technique T1059.007 covers the execution of commands through PHP scripts. The vulnerability affects multiple inclusion points within the application's codebase, increasing the attack surface and providing multiple potential entry points for exploitation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4583 should prioritize immediate patching of the FlashChat application to version 4.6.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict sanitization before being used in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access external resources through the vulnerable parameters, as these activities could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations within web applications.