CVE-2006-4979 in phpquiz
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in cfgphpquiz/install.php in Walter Beschmout PhpQuiz 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code in config.inc.php via modified configuration settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2024
The CVE-2006-4979 vulnerability represents a critical direct static code injection flaw within the PhpQuiz 1.2 software suite, specifically affecting the cfgphpquiz/install.php component. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms during the installation process, allowing remote attackers to manipulate configuration parameters and inject malicious PHP code directly into the system's configuration file. The flaw exists in the software's handling of user-supplied data during the installation phase, where configuration settings are not properly sanitized before being written to the config.inc.php file, creating a persistent code execution vector that can be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of configuration parameters passed to the install.php script, which then directly incorporates these unvalidated inputs into the target configuration file without proper escaping or sanitization. This direct injection approach bypasses typical security controls and allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code within the context of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a direct static code injection, which aligns with CWE-94, representing the execution of code that is directly inserted into the program without proper validation or sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the installation phase, meaning that successful exploitation can establish persistent backdoors or malicious functionality before the system is fully operational.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to the affected system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can modify system configurations, create backdoor accounts, escalate privileges, or even establish remote command execution capabilities. The vulnerability affects all versions of PhpQuiz 1.2 and earlier, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not upgraded their systems. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through PHP code injection, and T1068 for privilege escalation, as the injected code can be leveraged to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by its direct injection into the configuration file, ensuring that malicious code remains active across system restarts and normal operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4979 should focus on immediate version upgrades to PhpQuiz 1.3 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to installation scripts, disable unnecessary web server capabilities, and conduct thorough security assessments of all configuration files. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the vulnerable software, followed by comprehensive system scanning to identify any potential exploitation attempts or persistent malicious code that may have been injected during the attack window. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized configuration file modifications can help detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other systems. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar injection flaws are not present in other software components, particularly those handling user input and system configuration parameters.