CVE-2006-6850 in Shadowed Portal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include.php in the Roster Module (character_roster) in Shadowed Portal 5.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mod_root parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6850 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Shadowed Portal 5.7 content management system, specifically affecting the Roster Module or character_roster component. This vulnerability resides in the include.php file which processes user-supplied input through the mod_root parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the affected server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically maps to CWE-94, representing insufficient validation of a dangerous or unexpected input. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Remote Code Execution technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, specifically targeting PHP-based web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the mod_root parameter in the request to include.php. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input, directly incorporating it into the include statement without proper checks against malicious file paths or URLs. When the PHP interpreter processes this request, it attempts to fetch and execute the remote file specified in the mod_root parameter, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This flaw represents a classic example of a server-side include vulnerability that was prevalent in web applications during the mid-2000s era when proper input validation was not yet widely implemented or understood.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network. Successful exploitation can result in complete server compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability affects any system running Shadowed Portal 5.7 with the affected Roster Module enabled, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their software or applied security patches. The risk is amplified by the fact that such vulnerabilities often remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, data breaches, and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities are exploited successfully. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version that contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly parameters used in include or require statements. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for file inclusion, where only predefined, trusted files can be included, provides an additional layer of protection. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Security configuration practices should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations when they are not explicitly required. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and systems. The principle of defense in depth should be applied, combining multiple security controls to protect against exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide early warning of potential exploitation activities.