CVE-2006-4849 in MobilePublisherPHP
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in header.php in MobilePublisherPHP 1.5 RC2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the abspath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4849 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in MobilePublisherPHP version 1.5 RC2 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides within the header.php component of the application, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs through the abspath parameter. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-98 as it permits unauthorized code execution through inclusion of remote files, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When the abspath parameter is manipulated with a malicious URL, the application attempts to include and execute code from the remote location, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP commands on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting remote code execution through web application flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection pattern that has been prevalent in web application security for decades.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4849 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing threat actors to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects organizations using MobilePublisherPHP versions prior to 1.5 RC2, potentially exposing databases, user information, and server resources to unauthorized access. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the MobilePublisherPHP application to version 1.5 RC2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization measures, including validation of all user-supplied parameters and strict filtering of URLs before they are processed in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns and suspicious URL parameters in web server logs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, specifically avoiding dynamic file inclusion with unsanitized user input, and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar weaknesses in their web applications and ensure comprehensive security coverage against remote file inclusion attacks.