CVE-2006-6212 in Site News
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in centre.php in Site News (site_news) 2.00, and possibly earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2017
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the Site News content management system version 2.00 and potentially earlier releases. The vulnerability exists within the centre.php script where user input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the page parameter to include malicious URLs, thereby enabling arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in dynamic file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for attackers to inject and execute malicious code remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common remote file inclusion patterns documented in the CWE database under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the inclusion mechanism by injecting malicious URLs through the page parameter, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with persistent access to the target system and allows for the execution of commands, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish backdoors, install malware, or create persistent access points within the compromised environment. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing content, or even gain administrative access to the CMS. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious URL that points to attacker-controlled content, which is then included by the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target vulnerabilities in web applications to gain initial access. The vulnerability also maps to T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute commands through the included PHP code. The lack of proper input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the Site News application to the latest available version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely and using local file paths instead of dynamic URLs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of failing to implement adequate security controls in web applications.