CVE-2006-6390 in Quick.Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Open Solution Quick.Cart 2.0, when register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the config[db_type] parameter to (1) categories.php, (2) couriers.php, (3) orders.php, and (4) products.php in actions_admin/; and (5) orders.php and (6) products.php in actions_client/; as demonstrated by injecting PHP sequences into an Apache HTTP Server log file, which is then included by one of these PHP scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6390 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Open Solution Quick.Cart 2.0, specifically when the PHP configuration settings register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. This configuration combination creates a dangerous environment where user-supplied input can directly influence the execution flow of the application. The vulnerability manifests across multiple administrative and client-side scripts within the application's actions_admin and actions_client directories, making it particularly dangerous as it affects both back-end administrative functions and front-end user interactions. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the config[db_type] parameter through carefully crafted dot-dot-slash sequences that traverse the file system hierarchy to access arbitrary local files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure handling of user input in the specified PHP scripts, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the config[db_type] parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When register_globals is enabled, variables from the request can be automatically imported into the global scope, creating additional attack vectors. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the absence of magic_quotes_gpc, which normally would escape special characters in user input. Attackers can inject PHP code into Apache log files through malicious requests, then leverage the directory traversal to include these log files in the vulnerable scripts, effectively achieving remote code execution. This technique demonstrates the classic path traversal attack pattern where attackers manipulate file paths to access unintended resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides a pathway for complete system compromise. The ability to include arbitrary local files means attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects multiple scripts across different application sections, increasing the attack surface and the potential for successful exploitation. Since the vulnerability requires specific PHP configuration settings to be present, it also serves as a warning about the importance of proper server configuration and security hardening practices. The attack vector through Apache log files demonstrates how seemingly innocuous application components can become attack vectors when combined with insecure coding practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate fix is to disable register_globals and enable magic_quotes_gpc on the web server, though the latter is deprecated in modern PHP versions. The application code must be updated to properly validate and sanitize all user input before using it in file operations, implementing proper input validation and using whitelisting approaches for file paths. The recommended approach aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weakness patterns and follows ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation through code injection. Organizations should also implement proper log file management practices, ensuring that log files are not directly accessible to end users and that input validation is consistently applied across all application components. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the system. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper server configuration as outlined in industry security standards and frameworks.