CVE-2006-4638 in ACGV News
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in article.php in ACGV News 0.9.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the PathNews parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4638 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting ACGV News version 0.9.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the article.php script where user input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization. The specific parameter PathNews serves as the attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that get processed by the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution threats that have plagued web applications for decades.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in file inclusion contexts. When a user provides a URL through the PathNews parameter, the application treats this input as a legitimate file path and attempts to include it in the execution flow. This creates a scenario where an attacker can inject malicious PHP code hosted on a remote server, effectively allowing for arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability and aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to code injection. From an operational perspective, this flaw enables attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4638 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system infiltration, and service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate database contents, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. This makes it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible and lack proper network segmentation. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1566 for initial access through web application attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1105 for command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing potentially dangerous patterns or protocols. Organizations should employ proper input filtering techniques that prevent URL schemes from being processed in file inclusion contexts. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features entirely through php.ini configuration settings can prevent exploitation. The recommended defense-in-depth approach includes implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security code reviews, and ensuring all applications are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent similar remote code execution scenarios from occurring in the future.