CVE-2006-6796 in MTCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/admin_settings.php in MTCMS 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ins_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6796 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in MTCMS version 2.0 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the admin/admin_settings.php file within the content management system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as file paths or URLs. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs in the ins_file parameter, which then gets included and executed on the target system without proper authorization or validation checks. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code, as it allows remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls squarely within the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though the specific execution vector in this case involves PHP file inclusion rather than PowerShell specifically.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites, as attackers only need to send a specially crafted HTTP request containing a malicious URL in the ins_file parameter. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it directly includes the remote file without proper validation, effectively executing any PHP code contained within that file. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can upload malicious payloads, establish backdoors, or gain complete control over the affected system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability exists due to the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization and validation, particularly around user-supplied parameters that are intended for file inclusion operations. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of secure coding practices and inadequate protection against injection attacks, which are common themes in modern cybersecurity threat landscapes.
Organizations running MTCMS version 2.0 or earlier face significant operational risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can initiate attacks from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent malicious infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its ease of exploitation and the potential for automated attack tools to discover and exploit systems with this flaw. Security teams must consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities, including potential regulatory compliance violations, reputation damage, and financial losses. The lack of proper parameter validation creates cascading security issues that may affect other system components, as attackers who gain initial access can leverage the compromised system to target other network resources. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping content management systems updated and patched regularly, as the exploitation window remains open for extended periods when vulnerabilities are not addressed promptly. Organizations should implement network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to monitor for exploitation attempts and reduce the attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6796 should focus on immediate patching of affected MTCMS installations, as version 2.1 or later would contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should disable remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations when possible, and implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and establish secure coding practices that prevent such issues from occurring in the future. Regular security training for development teams and implementation of secure development lifecycle practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of introducing such vulnerabilities into production systems. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verification that all affected systems have been properly updated and that no residual vulnerabilities remain within the application infrastructure.