CVE-2006-6913 in phpMyFAQ
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in phpMyFAQ 1.6.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary PHP scripts via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6913 represents a critical security flaw in phpMyFAQ versions 1.6.7 and earlier, where remote attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to upload arbitrary PHP scripts to the target system. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure file upload functionality, which has been consistently categorized as CWE-434 by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal file validation mechanisms and execute malicious code on the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests multiple potential entry points within the phpMyFAQ application that could be exploited for file upload operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient restrictions on file upload capabilities within the phpMyFAQ application. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious PHP scripts that can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. This type of vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of compromised applications to establish persistence and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6913 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and lateral movement within compromised networks. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpMyFAQ face significant risk of unauthorized access to their database systems, which could contain sensitive customer information, proprietary data, or confidential business records. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyFAQ is used to manage critical database operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to phpMyFAQ version 1.6.8 or later, which addresses the file upload security issues. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated users only, implementing strict file type validation, and configuring proper file permissions to prevent execution of uploaded files. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities and unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized code execution and file manipulation.