CVE-2006-6765 in Pagetool
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP file inclusion vulnerabilities in src/admin/pt_upload.php in Pagetool 1.07 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via (1) a local filename or FTP/share URI in the config_file parameter or (2) a URL in the ptconf[src] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6765 represents a critical security flaw in Pagetool 1.07's administrative upload functionality. This issue manifests through multiple file inclusion vectors that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets the pt_upload.php file located within the src/admin/ directory structure, making it a direct attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise the web application's administrative interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Pagetool application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating two distinct parameters: config_file and ptconf[src]. When a malicious user supplies a local filename or FTP/share URI through the config_file parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. Similarly, when a URL is provided in the ptconf[src] parameter, the application processes this input without adequate security controls, creating opportunities for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category for Command Injection and CWE-94 for Code Injection, representing fundamental flaws in input handling and code execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6765 is severe and potentially devastating for affected organizations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, typically resulting in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of Pagetool, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain full control over the content management system and its underlying server resources. This represents a critical escalation path from a simple web application vulnerability to full system compromise, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The most effective approach involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a newer version of Pagetool that addresses these file inclusion vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent similar issues in other applications. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting these specific parameter combinations. Network segmentation and privilege separation can also limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices, particularly in applications that handle user-supplied input for file operations, and underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.