CVE-2006-6686 in TextSend
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in sender.php in Carsen Klock TextSend 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ROOT_PATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6686 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Carsen Klock TextSend 1.5 web application, specifically within the sender.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the ROOT_PATH parameter, which is then directly used in a file inclusion operation without adequate validation or sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the PHP include or require functions, which are commonly used to incorporate external files into the executing script. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for the ROOT_PATH parameter, the vulnerable application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled servers. This creates a scenario where arbitrary PHP code can be executed on the target system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web server. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and specifically relates to CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute malicious code remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify web content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. This type of vulnerability is often categorized under the attack technique T1190 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers the exploitation of remote services through the use of remote code execution vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should be configured to use absolute paths instead of relative paths when including files, and any external file inclusion mechanisms should be disabled or properly secured. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs in the ROOT_PATH parameter. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and regularly audit their web applications for similar vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the application architecture that may require comprehensive security assessments.