CVE-2006-6644 in Mxbb Meeting
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in pages/meeting_constants.php in the Meeting (mx_meeting) 1.1.2 and earlier module for mxBB 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 • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6644 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the mx_meeting module version 1.1.2 and earlier within the mxBB bulletin board system. This vulnerability resides in the pages/meeting_constants.php file where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file path operations without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw specifically manifests when the module_root_path parameter receives external input that can be manipulated to include malicious URLs, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command injection or file inclusion attacks. The flaw operates by accepting a URL parameter that gets directly concatenated into a file inclusion operation, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, which then get executed on the target system when the vulnerable script processes the user input. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets publicly accessible web applications through well-known input vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistence mechanisms being established on the affected server. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish command and control channels, or escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects not just individual applications but entire server infrastructures, as the exploited system can become a launchpad for further attacks against internal networks or other systems. Organizations running affected versions of mxBB with the mx_meeting module are particularly at risk since the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication or specific user interaction beyond accessing the vulnerable page.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the recommended solution involves upgrading to versions of the mx_meeting module that properly sanitize input parameters before use in file inclusion operations. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures, including whitelisting acceptable values for module_root_path parameters and implementing proper output encoding for all user-supplied inputs. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation approach. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the system, as this vulnerability type often indicates broader input validation weaknesses that may exist elsewhere in the application stack. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts.