CVE-2006-6560 in modsdb
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/common.php in the mx_modsdb 1.0.0 module for MxBB (aka MX-System) Portal 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 • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6560 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the mx_modsdb 1.0.0 module for the MxBB (MX-System) Portal platform. This vulnerability resides in the includes/common.php file and specifically targets the module_root_path parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic insecure parameter handling issue that has been consistently identified as a high-risk vulnerability in web application security assessments.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the PHP application. When the module_root_path parameter is processed, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This allows attackers to manipulate the parameter with malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting the exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially permits attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected organizations. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the web server hosting the vulnerable portal, allowing attackers to execute commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire MX-System portal infrastructure, potentially exposing all modules and functionalities that rely on the insecure common.php file. Organizations may face data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where the portal handles sensitive information or serves as a critical business application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and secure coding practices. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation for the module_root_path parameter, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and restricted to legitimate paths within the application's directory structure. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web server processes and regularly audit their code for similar insecure parameter handling patterns. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide temporary protection while permanent code fixes are implemented. This vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in application code, aligning with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.