CVE-2006-6715 in PowerClan
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in footer.inc.php in PowerClan 1.14a and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the settings[footer] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6715 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PowerClan content management system version 1.14a and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the footer.inc.php component and exploits a dangerous configuration setting that enables remote code execution. The flaw occurs when the PHP register_globals directive is enabled on the web server, creating a dangerous environment where user-supplied input can directly influence global variable scope. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it allows attackers to inject malicious URLs through the settings[footer] parameter, which then gets processed by the vulnerable script without proper input validation or sanitization.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command injection and file inclusion attacks. The attack vector leverages the dangerous combination of user input being directly incorporated into PHP execution contexts without adequate sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, any GET, POST, or cookie parameters can automatically become global variables, making it trivial for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious input through the settings[footer] parameter. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter handling that has been a persistent issue in web applications since the early days of PHP development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system running vulnerable versions of PowerClan. An attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This includes the ability to read sensitive files, execute commands, establish backdoors, or even escalate privileges to gain root access on the underlying operating system. The attack requires minimal sophistication as it only requires sending a malicious URL through the settings[footer] parameter, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The vulnerability affects not just the specific PowerClan installation but potentially the entire server infrastructure, as successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying configuration issues that enable such attacks. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, as this eliminates the core condition that allows the attack to succeed. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms should be enforced throughout the application, particularly for any parameters that are later used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ a whitelist approach for file inclusion, where only pre-approved file paths are allowed, rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Security measures should also include proper parameter validation, output encoding, and the implementation of a secure coding practice that avoids direct user input in dynamic code execution contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent such attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and avoiding dangerous PHP configurations that can lead to arbitrary code execution. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability maps to the exploitation of remote services through the use of file inclusion techniques, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to web applications.