CVE-2006-6549 in Rad Upload
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in upload.php in Rad Upload 3.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the save_path parameter. NOTE: CVE disputes this vulnerability because save_path is originally defined as "" before use, and the nearby instructions say "SET THE SAVE PATH by editing the line below."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6549 pertains to a remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Rad Upload 3.02 web application's upload.php script. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute unauthorized code on affected systems. The issue specifically involves the save_path parameter which is manipulated during file upload operations, creating an avenue for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. According to the initial vulnerability report, the flaw exists within the parameter handling mechanism of the upload functionality, where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability operates under the principle that when the save_path parameter receives a URL value instead of a local file path, the application processes this input without adequate validation, potentially allowing attackers to specify remote locations containing malicious PHP scripts. This creates a scenario where the application's file handling logic becomes a vector for code execution, as the system essentially treats the remote URL as a local file path and attempts to process it accordingly. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue places it within the broader category of web application security flaws that have historically been exploited for gaining unauthorized access to systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. When an attacker successfully exploits this flaw, they can potentially upload malicious files, execute commands on the server, and gain full control over the affected web application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it a significant threat to organizations that host web applications without proper security controls. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to T1190 for exploitation of remote services and potentially T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, highlighting the multi-faceted attack surface this flaw creates.
Despite the vulnerability being disputed by the CVE organization, the security implications remain significant for systems that may have been improperly configured or where the save_path parameter could be manipulated through other means. The disputed nature of the vulnerability stems from the observation that save_path is initially defined as an empty string before use, suggesting that the vulnerability may not exist in properly configured systems. However, this does not eliminate the risk for installations where the application's configuration has been altered or where other vulnerabilities in the codebase could potentially lead to the manipulation of this parameter. Organizations should not rely solely on the CVE's disputed status but should implement proper security controls regardless. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper input validation, using whitelisting approaches for file path parameters, and ensuring that all user-supplied input is sanitized before processing. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other applications and ensure that file handling operations are properly secured against manipulation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper parameter validation and the dangers of allowing user input to influence critical system operations, particularly in file handling contexts where the potential for code execution exists.