CVE-2006-6869 in mdforum
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/search/search_mdforum.php in MAXdev MDForum 2.0.1 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled and register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the PNSVlang cookie to error.php, as demonstrated by injecting PHP sequences into an Apache HTTP Server log file, which is then included by error.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6869 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MAXdev MDForum 2.0.1 software and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the search_mdforum.php component located in the includes/search directory, where improper input validation creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the web server environment has magic_quotes_gpc disabled and register_globals enabled, creating a dangerous combination that amplifies the attack surface significantly.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves manipulating the PNSVlang cookie parameter within the error.php script to perform directory traversal operations using the .. (dot dot) sequence. This allows attackers to navigate up the directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through Apache HTTP Server log files, where attackers can inject PHP code sequences that are subsequently included and executed by the vulnerable error.php script. This technique demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how web application vulnerabilities can be chained with server configuration weaknesses to achieve remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. The combination of directory traversal with local file inclusion creates a pathway for attackers to access sensitive system files, execute malicious code, and potentially escalate privileges within the web application environment. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting PHP script execution through web-based attacks.
The exploitation requires specific server configurations to be effective, namely the disabling of magic_quotes_gpc and enabling of register_globals, which were common in older PHP configurations but are now considered insecure practices. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy server configurations that remain vulnerable to well-known attack patterns. Organizations with systems running affected versions of MAXdev MDForum should immediately implement mitigations including disabling vulnerable configurations, implementing proper input sanitization, and applying security patches to prevent exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability that could lead to complete system compromise.