CVE-2006-6613 in phpAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in language.php in phpAlbum 0.4.1 Beta 6 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled and register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files or obtain sensitive information via a .. (dot dot) in the pa_lang[include_file] parameter, as demonstrated by injecting PHP sequences into an Apache HTTP Server log file, which is then included by language.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6613 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in phpAlbum version 0.4.1 Beta 6 and earlier, specifically within the language.php component of the application. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages specific server configuration conditions that were common in web environments during that era, making it exploitable across a wide range of installations.
The technical execution of this vulnerability depends on the presence of two specific PHP configuration settings: magic_quotes_gpc disabled and register_globals enabled. When these conditions exist, the application fails to properly sanitize the pa_lang[include_file] parameter, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences using .. (dot dot) characters. This manipulation enables the application to include arbitrary local files, potentially leading to remote code execution or sensitive data exposure. The attack vector demonstrates a sophisticated technique where attackers inject PHP code into Apache log files, which are then included by the vulnerable language.php script during normal operation, creating a persistent backdoor mechanism.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web application security and data integrity. The ability to include arbitrary local files means attackers can potentially access system files, configuration data, database credentials, or execute malicious PHP code on the target server. The exploitation technique described in the CVE shows how attackers can leverage log file inclusion as a method to achieve persistent access, which aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Log File Tampering" and "Remote Code Execution". This vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized system access.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability can be categorized as CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness occurs when applications fail to properly validate and sanitize file paths, particularly when user input is used to construct file inclusion paths. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-94, which covers "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" as the inclusion of arbitrary files can lead to code execution. Security practitioners should recognize that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insecure input handling combined with specific server configurations can create exploitable conditions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying configuration issues that make exploitation possible. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of phpAlbum, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. Server administrators must ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled or that proper input validation is implemented at the application level, since this setting acts as a crucial defense mechanism against such attacks. Additionally, disabling register_globals in PHP configuration is essential, as this setting allows user input to automatically become global variables, significantly increasing the attack surface. The implementation of proper input validation and sanitization techniques, including whitelisting acceptable file paths and using secure file inclusion methods, should be enforced throughout the application codebase. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that server configurations follow security best practices established by organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project OWASP.