CVE-2006-6545 in ErrorDocs
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/common.php in the ErrorDocs 1.0.0 and earlier module for mxBB (mx_errordocs) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the module_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6545 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the mxBB ErrorDocs module version 1.0.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the includes/common.php file where the module_root_path parameter is improperly handled, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious PHP code through remote URLs. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow.
This remote file inclusion vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes the condition where a command or argument contains a dangerous sequence of characters that is processed by an interpreter as if it were a command or argument. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the module_root_path parameter to point to remote malicious files, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that include crafted URLs in the module_root_path parameter, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors within the web application environment. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure, especially when the application runs with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when the web server has access to sensitive system resources, as it can lead to full system compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6545 should focus on immediate patching of the affected module to version 1.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed, including whitelisting acceptable values for the module_root_path parameter. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns associated with remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures including regular vulnerability assessments and security updates to prevent such critical flaws from being exploited in production environments.