CVE-2006-6648 in RateMe
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in main.inc.php in planetluc.com RateMe 1.3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pathtoscript parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6648 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the RateMe 1.3.2 content management system developed by planetluc.com. This security weakness resides within the main.inc.php script and demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the pathtoscript parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. Attackers can manipulate the pathtoscript parameter to reference external URLs containing malicious PHP payloads, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. This occurs because the application directly incorporates user-provided paths into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or whitelisting procedures. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input without proper security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves the exploitation of remote services through the use of malicious files or code execution. Organizations running vulnerable versions of RateMe face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.3.2, indicating a long-standing security flaw that was not properly addressed in the software lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6648 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available version of RateMe that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from being processed in file inclusion contexts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web applications to operate with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper file access controls. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious requests targeting the pathtoscript parameter. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous file inclusion patterns and unusual URL parameters that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire systems.