CVE-2006-4764 in WTools
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in common.php in Thomas LETE WTools 0.0.1-ALPH allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4764 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Thomas LETE WTools 0.0.1-ALPH web application framework. This vulnerability exists within the common.php file and specifically targets the include_path parameter which is improperly validated, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution payloads. The flaw stems from the application's failure to sanitize user-supplied input before using it in dynamic include operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can compromise the entire web server infrastructure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and control operations. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application accepts user input through the include_path parameter and passes it directly to PHP's include or require functions without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in the inclusion of remote files containing malicious PHP code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged for persistent backdoor establishment, data exfiltration, and further network infiltration. Attackers can use this vulnerability to deploy web shells, establish command and control channels, or escalate privileges within the compromised environment. According to ATT&CK framework T1190, this vulnerability represents a technique for exploitation through remote services, while T1059 demonstrates the execution of code through PHP scripts. The vulnerability also aligns with T1071.004, which covers application layer protocols, specifically HTTP/HTTPS, and T1566, which addresses the initial access phase through spearphishing or other attack vectors. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the web server has elevated privileges or access to sensitive data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4764 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic include operations. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing suspicious characters or patterns commonly associated with remote file inclusion attacks. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely by setting the allow_url_include directive to off in PHP configuration, implementing proper input sanitization routines, and utilizing a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of keeping web applications updated and patched, as this flaw was present in an alpha version of the software that should have been addressed before reaching production environments.