CVE-2006-4596 in MyBace Light
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion in MyBace Light Skrip, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) hauptverzeichniss parameter in includes/login_check.php and the (2) template_back parameter in admin/login/content/user_daten.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4596 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the MyBace Light Skrip content management system that exploits the dangerous combination of insecure parameter handling and the deprecated register_globals PHP configuration. This vulnerability exists in the authentication and administrative components of the application where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion directives without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw specifically manifests in two distinct locations within the application's codebase, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to execute arbitrary code on the target server. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its dependence on the register_globals setting being enabled, which was a common configuration in older PHP environments and introduced significant security risks by automatically creating global variables from GET, POST, and COOKIE data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-controllable parameters within PHP include statements that should never be trusted without rigorous validation. In the first instance, the hauptverzeichniss parameter in includes/login_check.php allows attackers to manipulate the directory path used for including PHP files, while the second vulnerability in admin/login/content/user_daten.php exposes the template_back parameter for similar manipulation. Both parameters are directly concatenated into file inclusion functions without any input filtering or validation, creating a pathway for attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can include malicious PHP code from remote servers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through improper input handling in dynamic code generation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server through the compromised application. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the server as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the target applications are widely deployed. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability affects administrative interfaces, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and full system compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4596 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against exploitation. The most critical remediation involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which should be enforced at the server level or through proper .htaccess directives. Additionally, all user-supplied parameters must be rigorously validated and sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations, with the implementation of allowlists for acceptable values and strict input validation. The application code should be updated to use absolute paths for file inclusion rather than dynamic parameters, and the use of PHP's built-in functions like realpath() should be implemented to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, while conducting comprehensive security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include regular security updates and proper application hardening practices to prevent similar issues from emerging in future versions of the software.