CVE-2006-6202 in NukeAI
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modules/NukeAI/util.php in the NukeAI 0.0.3 Beta module for PHP-Nuke, aka Program E is an AIML chatterbot, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the AIbasedir parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6202 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the NukeAI 0.0.3 Beta module for PHP-Nuke systems. This security weakness specifically affects the modules/NukeAI/util.php file and stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data. The vulnerability exists because the application directly incorporates user-provided URLs into file inclusion operations without adequate security checks or sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs through the AIbasedir parameter which is processed within the util.php file. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application attempts to include and execute the remote file as part of the normal application flow. This creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution since PHP's include or require functions can be manipulated to fetch and execute code from remote servers. The vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code in the context of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially devastating for affected systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining complete control over the web application and underlying infrastructure. This remote code execution capability allows threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, compromise other systems within the network, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects systems running PHP-Nuke with the NukeAI module installed, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems that rely on third-party modules and extensions.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering execution through command and scripting interpreters. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated through web-based attack tools. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of vulnerable modules. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to patched versions of PHP-Nuke and NukeAI, disabling the vulnerable module entirely, or implementing proper input validation that prevents URL inclusion in parameter values.