CVE-2006-6632 in genepi
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in genepi.php in Genepi 1.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the topdir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The CVE-2006-6632 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Genepi 1.6 web application, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities. This vulnerability specifically affects the genepi.php script where the topdir parameter is not properly validated or sanitized before being used in a file inclusion operation. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious URLs into the topdir parameter, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected server. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized code within the web server context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the PHP language's ability to include and execute files from remote locations when the include or require functions are used with user-controllable input. When the topdir parameter is passed directly to a file inclusion function without proper sanitization, an attacker can construct a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject their own code into the application's execution environment, potentially gaining full control over the web server or accessing sensitive data stored within the application's database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication or any specific user interaction, making it highly attractive to malicious actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6632 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further compromise of the affected system and network infrastructure. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability also poses significant data integrity risks as attackers can read, modify, or delete sensitive information stored within the application. From a security compliance perspective, this vulnerability violates multiple industry standards including the CWE-94 weakness category for improper validation of a file inclusion parameter and aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations running affected versions of Genepi are particularly vulnerable to data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory penalties due to the exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6632 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Genepi application to version 1.7 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation by using allowlists of acceptable values for the topdir parameter, avoiding direct user input in file inclusion operations, and implementing proper access controls for file operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. Security configurations should enforce strict input validation at multiple points in the application, including disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP settings and implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.