CVE-2006-4993 in AllMyGuests
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in AllMyGuests 0.4.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the _AMGconfig[cfg_serverpath] parameter in (1) modules/AllMyGuests/signin.php (aka the Nuke module) and (2) AllMyGuests/signin.php (aka the standalone).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4993 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting AllMyGuests version 0.4.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the PHP application's handling of user-supplied input through the _AMGconfig[cfg_serverpath] parameter, which is processed in two distinct locations: the Nuke module at modules/AllMyGuests/signin.php and the standalone version at AllMyGuests/signin.php. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a severe security risk that can lead to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication or local access to the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the PHP application's configuration handling mechanism. When the application processes the _AMGconfig[cfg_serverpath] parameter, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or injection attack, and CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through improper input handling. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference vulnerability combined with remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization running affected AllMyGuests installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, or use of the compromised server for further attacks. The vulnerability affects both the Nuke module and standalone versions, indicating a widespread issue within the application's architecture that requires immediate attention. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a launching point for broader network attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of AllMyGuests that resolves the remote file inclusion vulnerability in the configuration handling code. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed in the _AMGconfig[cfg_serverpath] parameter. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input validation at the application level, including the use of allowlists for acceptable URLs and proper parameter validation, will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web applications and regularly audit their code for insecure input handling patterns that could lead to similar remote code execution vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 and T1059.007 tactics, which cover exploitation of vulnerabilities and execution of malicious code through web applications.