CVE-2006-4594 in PHP Advanced Transfer Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in PHP Advanced Transfer Manager (phpAtm) 1.21 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_location parameter in (1) confirm.php or (2) login.php. NOTE: the include_location parameter to index.php is already covered by CVE-2005-1681.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4594 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP Advanced Transfer Manager (phpAtm) version 1.21 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the include_location parameter, which is processed in two primary script files: confirm.php and login.php. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's core functionality where it dynamically includes files based on user input, without adequate security controls to prevent unauthorized code execution.
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 relates to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code through improper input validation. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the include_location parameter to point to malicious remote resources, effectively bypassing local file access controls and executing code on the target server. When an attacker submits a crafted URL through the vulnerable parameter, the application processes this input without proper sanitization, leading to the inclusion of external files that contain malicious PHP code. This behavior constitutes a direct violation of secure coding principles and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited across a wide range of web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows remote code execution, enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, server compromise, and deployment of backdoors or additional malware. The vulnerability affects the authentication and confirmation processes within the phpAtm application, meaning that attackers could potentially bypass authentication mechanisms or escalate privileges within the system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring any prior authentication credentials, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the vulnerable web application. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data loss, system compromise, and the ability to use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4594 should focus on immediate patching of the affected phpAtm versions, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are rigorously checked before being used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting the application's ability to include external files or execute code from untrusted sources. Security measures should include disabling the ability to include remote files, implementing proper parameter validation, and using secure coding practices such as whitelisting acceptable input values. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in web applications. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and the potential consequences of failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP scripts and T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.