CVE-2006-7018 in phpwcms
Summary
by MITRE
phpwcms 1.2.5-DEV and earlier, and 1.1 before RC4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted argument to the nome_evento parameter to phpwcms_code_snippets/mail_file_form.php and (2) sample_ext_php/mail_file_form.php, which is processed by the render_PHPcode function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7018 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting phpwcms versions 1.2.5-DEV and earlier, as well as version 1.1 before RC4. This security defect resides within the mail_file_form.php script that is part of the phpwcms content management system, specifically in how it processes user input through the nome_evento parameter. The flaw occurs in the render_PHPcode function which improperly handles input validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic insufficient input validation issue that directly enables code injection attacks, allowing remote attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute malicious commands with the privileges of the web application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure processing of the nome_evento parameter through the render_PHPcode function, which serves as a critical pathway for code execution. This flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically highlighting the dangerous practice of executing dynamic code without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to inject PHP code through the mail_file_form.php script, which then gets processed by the render_PHPcode function, resulting in arbitrary code execution. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that contain malicious payloads in the nome_evento parameter, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring authentication or physical access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-7018 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, system takeover, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish command and control capabilities, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of phpwcms, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete content, access user credentials, and manipulate the web application's behavior. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on affected phpwcms versions, as the compromise of a single web application can lead to broader security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7018 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to phpwcms versions that have patched this vulnerability, specifically versions 1.2.5-RC1 and later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement input validation controls that filter and sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly parameters processed by functions like render_PHPcode. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. Security practitioners should also consider implementing least privilege principles for web application accounts and regularly monitor system logs for suspicious activity. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting languages, underscores the need for comprehensive application security testing and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in the future.