CVE-2006-7026 in Aardvark Topsites PHP
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in sources/join.php in Aardvark Topsites PHP 4.2.2 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the CONFIG[path] parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-2149.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7026 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Aardvark Topsites PHP version 4.2.2 and earlier installations. This security weakness specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected servers. The vulnerability resides within the sources/join.php script, making it a targeted attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications running this particular version of the software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the CONFIG[path] parameter, which is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, including GET and POST parameters, which can be directly influenced by attackers. This configuration flaw allows malicious users to inject URLs into the path parameter, causing the application to include and execute remote PHP files. The vulnerability operates through a different exploitation vector compared to CVE-2006-2149, indicating distinct attack surfaces and potentially requiring different defensive measures. This particular implementation allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy PHP applications that have not been updated to newer versions, creating ongoing security risks for systems that continue to operate with outdated software components. This flaw particularly impacts web applications that rely on older PHP configurations and fail to implement proper input validation mechanisms, making it a significant concern for system administrators managing legacy environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7026 should prioritize immediate software updates to newer versions of Aardvark Topsites PHP that have addressed this vulnerability. System administrators must disable the register_globals configuration parameter in PHP settings, as this is a fundamental security configuration that directly enables the exploit. Input validation and sanitization should be implemented to ensure all user-supplied data is properly filtered before processing, aligning with CWE-20 standards for input validation. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability vector. The remediation process should include comprehensive security audits to identify other potential vulnerabilities in legacy systems that may have similar configuration weaknesses, ensuring a holistic approach to securing web application environments.