CVE-2006-6341 in mg.applanix
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in mg.applanix 1.3.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the apx_root_path parameter to (1) act/act_check_access.php, (2) dsp/dsp_form_booking_ctl.php, and (3) dsp/dsp_bookings.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6341 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting the mg.applanix application version 1.3.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within specific script parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The affected files include act/act_check_access.php, dsp/dsp_form_booking_ctl.php, and dsp/dsp_bookings.php, all of which accept the apx_root_path parameter without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure direct object reference pattern where user input directly influences the inclusion of remote files, violating fundamental security principles of input validation and access control.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes the improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The flaw enables attackers to leverage the application's file inclusion mechanisms to load malicious PHP code from remote servers, potentially allowing complete system compromise. The attack vector requires an attacker to construct a malicious URL containing the apx_root_path parameter, which when processed by the vulnerable application, results in the execution of unauthorized code. This represents a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) vulnerability that has been a persistent threat in web applications, particularly in older PHP-based systems where proper input validation was not consistently implemented.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once successfully exploited, an attacker could gain full control over the web server, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or use of the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the application and its underlying infrastructure, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to execute malicious commands and maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allowlists of trusted paths rather than accepting arbitrary URLs in parameters like apx_root_path. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration through the disable_functions directive and setting open_basedir restrictions can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar flaws in legacy systems. Organizations should implement proper web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious URL parameters from reaching vulnerable application code paths. Regular updates and patches to the mg.applanix application, along with comprehensive security training for development teams, are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the software.