CVE-2006-6612 in PhpMyCms
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in basic.inc.php in PhpMyCms 0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the basepath_start parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6612 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in PhpMyCms version 0.3, specifically within the basic.inc.php file. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the basepath_start parameter is manipulated by an attacker, allowing malicious URLs to be passed through the application's file inclusion mechanism. This flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the basepath_start parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable basic.inc.php script. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in a file inclusion context, enabling the attacker to reference remote files containing malicious PHP code. When the application attempts to include the specified file, the remote code executes within the context of the web server, potentially granting the attacker full control over the affected system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication or specific user interaction beyond initial access to the vulnerable parameter.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6612 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can lead to data theft, system infiltration, privilege escalation, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects any system running PhpMyCms 0.3 and exposes the web application to remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged for reconnaissance, lateral movement, and broader network compromise. Organizations using this version of PhpMyCms face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring specialized tools or advanced technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 0.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the file inclusion vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations, including the use of allowlists for valid paths and strict validation of all user-supplied parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while proper configuration of the web server to restrict file inclusion operations and disable dangerous PHP functions like allow_url_include can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.