CVE-2006-4722 in OpenBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Open Bulletin Board (OpenBB) 1.0.8 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_path parameter to (1) index.php and possibly (2) collector.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4722 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Open Bulletin Board software version 1.0.8 and earlier. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the root_path parameter in two key files: index.php and collector.php, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward yet dangerous mechanism where an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the root_path parameter to the vulnerable scripts. When the application processes this parameter without adequate validation, it attempts to include the remote file specified in the URL, effectively executing any PHP code contained within that remote resource. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Command Injection and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to achieve remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate application but can compromise the entire hosting environment, especially when the web server has elevated permissions. This remote code execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent access, conduct data exfiltration, and deploy additional malicious payloads, making it a high-risk vulnerability that requires immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices that prevent user-supplied data from being used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of OpenBB or implement proper parameter validation that rejects external URLs in file inclusion contexts. The solution involves enforcing strict whitelisting of allowed paths and ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation to prevent remote code execution vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework emphasizes that such vulnerabilities are often exploited through automated scanning tools, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date security patches and implement comprehensive monitoring systems to detect exploitation attempts.