CVE-2006-6154 in HIOX Star Rating System Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in addcode.php in HIOX Star Rating System Script (HSRS) 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the hm parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The CVE-2006-6154 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the HIOX Star Rating System Script version 1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the addcode.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The specific weakness manifests when the hm parameter is passed to the script, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get processed as file paths. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution flaws that have been consistently documented in security frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively granting them full control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and validation within the PHP application. When the hm parameter is received, the script directly uses its value to include files without any verification of the source or content. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the parameter value to point to malicious remote files hosted on attacker-controlled servers. The vulnerability can be leveraged through simple HTTP requests that include the malicious URL as the parameter value, making exploitation relatively straightforward and accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code, and represents a classic example of how poor input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6154 extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete server compromise, data theft, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects the entire HIOX Star Rating System Script ecosystem, making any installation version 1.0 or earlier susceptible to attack. Organizations running this software are at risk of having their web applications compromised, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the flaw could have been easily prevented through proper parameter sanitization and secure coding practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6154 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the HIOX Star Rating System Script where input validation has been implemented to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation by sanitizing all user inputs and ensuring that file inclusion operations only accept expected and validated parameters. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by blocking suspicious requests containing malicious URL patterns in the hm parameter. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of similar flaws within their web applications. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the patched software to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the security vulnerability. This case underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security controls as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.