CVE-2006-6546 in cutenews aj-fork
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/shows.inc.php in cutenews aj-fork (CN:AJ) 167f and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cutepath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6546 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting cutenews aj-fork version 167f and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the inc/shows.inc.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern that has been documented under CWE-20. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the cutepath parameter, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the PHP include() or require() functions without adequate input sanitization, allowing remote attackers to specify arbitrary URLs in the cutepath parameter. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the supplied URL into the include statement, effectively executing any PHP code hosted on the remote server. This mechanism operates under the principles of server-side request forgery and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to complete system compromise, as documented in various ATT&CK frameworks under techniques related to code injection and remote command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can result in data theft, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can also impact the entire hosting environment, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. Organizations running affected versions of cutenews aj-fork face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6546 must focus on immediate remediation through software updates and implementation of proper input validation measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of cutenews aj-fork that addresses the insecure file inclusion vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include statements, by employing allowlists of trusted values or implementing proper URL validation. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, and conducting thorough security audits of all application components to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues from arising in other applications within their infrastructure.