CVE-2006-4844 in Claroline
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/claro_init_local.inc.php in Claroline 1.7.7 and earlier, as used in Dokeos and possibly other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the extAuthSource[newUser] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The CVE-2006-4844 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that affected Claroline 1.7.7 and earlier versions, with implications extending to Dokeos and potentially other applications utilizing the same codebase. This vulnerability resides within the inc/claro_init_local.inc.php file, which serves as a critical initialization component for the Claroline learning management system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input passed through the extAuthSource[newUser] parameter, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability operates through a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the extAuthSource[newUser] parameter to reference a malicious URL containing crafted PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter and includes the remote file, the PHP interpreter executes the malicious code within the context of the web server, potentially granting the attacker complete control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, steal sensitive user credentials, manipulate course content, and potentially use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
From a defensive standpoint, mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent untrusted data from being used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations, implementing strict parameter validation, and using whitelisting approaches for authentication source parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests containing malicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely-used open source applications.