CVE-2006-4656 in Sl Site
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/editeur/spaw_control.class.php in Web Provence SL_Site 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter. NOTE: CVE analysis suggests that this issue is actually in a third party product, SPAW Editor PHP Edition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that exists within the SPAW Editor PHP Edition component of Web Provence SL_Site 1.0 and earlier versions. The issue manifests in the admin/editeur/spaw_control.class.php file where the spaw_root parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code. The vulnerability's classification within the ATT&CK framework would map to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it allows attackers to leverage publicly accessible web interfaces to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the spaw_root parameter in the HTTP request to the vulnerable application. Since the application does not adequately validate the input, it directly includes and executes the remote file specified in the parameter, effectively allowing the attacker to execute any PHP code present in the remote resource. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can upload and execute malicious payloads, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The flaw essentially transforms the legitimate file inclusion functionality into a dangerous attack vector due to the lack of proper input validation and sanitization measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly for organizations relying on Web Provence SL_Site for their web applications. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in a third-party component adds additional complexity to remediation efforts, as organizations must not only patch the specific application but also ensure that the underlying SPAW Editor PHP Edition is updated to a secure version. This creates a cascading effect where system administrators must coordinate updates across multiple software layers, potentially affecting other applications that depend on the same vulnerable component. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for organizations, as it provides attackers with a well-documented path to compromise systems that may otherwise be considered secure. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability could result in regulatory violations and security audit failures, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss or hipaa.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating the SPAW Editor PHP Edition to a version that properly validates and sanitizes the spaw_root parameter, eliminating the remote file inclusion capability. Organizations should implement input validation measures that reject any non-local file paths or URLs that do not conform to expected patterns. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting the web server's ability to include remote files, and disabling the allow_url_include directive in php.ini configuration files. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and blocking requests containing potentially malicious input. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other third-party components, while maintaining an inventory of all software dependencies to ensure timely patch management. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as highlighted in various security frameworks including owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework, which emphasize the need for robust application security controls to prevent such critical flaws from being introduced in the first place.