CVE-2006-6689 in Paristemi
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Paristemi 0.8.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SERVER_DIRECTORY parameter to unspecified scripts, a different vector than CVE-2006-6739. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6689 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Paristemi version 0.8.3 and earlier systems. This security weakness specifically targets the SERVER_DIRECTORY parameter within unspecified scripts, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable servers. The vulnerability operates through a remote code execution vector that differs significantly from CVE-2006-6739, indicating a distinct attack surface that requires separate mitigation strategies.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper input validation within the Paristemi application's parameter handling mechanisms. When the SERVER_DIRECTORY parameter receives unvalidated user input containing a URL, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before processing it as a file path. This creates a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to reference external malicious files hosted on remote servers. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations deploying Paristemi systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially gaining full control over affected servers. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in web hosting environments where multiple applications share resources, as successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation and lateral movement within network infrastructure.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers may use the compromised systems as launching points for further attacks against other networked systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments. The lack of detailed information regarding the exact vector and affected scripts complicates defensive measures but does not diminish the severity of potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6689 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Paristemi installations to version 0.8.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures at all application entry points, particularly for parameters that accept file paths or URLs. Network-level protections including firewalls and web application firewalls should be configured to block suspicious URL patterns and prevent external file inclusion attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities and implementing proper access controls. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and unauthorized remote connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization practices that align with secure coding standards and defense-in-depth strategies recommended by cybersecurity frameworks including the MITRE ATT&CK matrix for preventing remote code execution attacks.