CVE-2006-4713 in PUMA
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in PSYWERKS PUMA 1.0 RC2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the fpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The CVE-2006-4713 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PSYWERKS PUMA 1.0 RC2 web application, specifically within the config.php file. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The flaw manifests when the application processes a URL parameter named fpath, which is intended to specify file paths but can be manipulated by attackers to reference remote malicious files. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution flaws, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in PHP's include or require functions when they accept user-controllable input without proper validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the fpath parameter, the application's config.php script processes this input directly without sanitizing or validating the content, leading to the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled servers. This behavior enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining full administrative control over the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and botnets.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4713 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web application. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically addressing weaknesses in file inclusion mechanisms and improper input validation. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK techniques such as T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, providing attackers with a straightforward path to compromise the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization procedures that reject any non-local file paths or URLs that do not conform to predefined safe patterns. The recommended approach involves disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely by setting the allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include directives to off in php.ini configuration files. Additionally, input filtering should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level validation, web application firewalls, and network-level restrictions to prevent malicious URLs from reaching the vulnerable application. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other application components, while maintaining up-to-date patch management procedures to ensure all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.