CVE-2006-4769 in p4CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in abf_js.php in p4CMS 1.05 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the abs_pfad parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4769 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the p4CMS content management system version 1.05. This vulnerability resides within the abf_js.php script and specifically targets the abs_pfad parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server by providing a malicious URL through this parameter, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, creating a severe security risk for any system utilizing the affected software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the abs_pfad parameter in the abf_js.php file. When a remote attacker supplies a URL containing malicious PHP code as the value for abs_pfad, the application incorporates this input directly into its execution flow without adequate sanitization. This behavior aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and CWE-20, which covers improper input validation. 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.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations running p4CMS 1.05 as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to gain remote code execution capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data theft, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, deploy additional malware, or escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where p4CMS might be used for critical business applications or to host sensitive data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1566 for initial access through web applications, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4769 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected p4CMS version to address the remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed by the application. The implementation of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives set to off in php.ini configuration files can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and libraries. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping all software components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent direct object reference manipulation and improper input handling, which are fundamental principles of secure software development as recommended by OWASP and NIST guidelines.