CVE-2006-4828 in PHP Pro
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in zipndownload.php in PhotoPost 4.0 through 4.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the PP_PATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4828 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in PhotoPost versions 4.0 through 4.6, specifically within the zipndownload.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the PP_PATH parameter is passed to the zipndownload.php script without proper sanitization. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to include malicious URLs, which are then processed by the application's file inclusion mechanisms. This creates an environment where arbitrary PHP code can be executed on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute code remotely without authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web application security and can result in complete system compromise. The attack vector enables adversaries to upload and execute malicious code, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities that align with tactics described in the attack framework. This vulnerability directly corresponds to CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and demonstrates the dangerous consequences of insufficient input validation in web applications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and provides maximum impact, making it a preferred target for automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers. Organizations running affected PhotoPost versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and system manipulation. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple minor versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that was not adequately addressed during the software development lifecycle. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching of affected systems, input validation implementation, and the application of web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and anomalous network traffic that may indicate exploitation attempts. 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.