CVE-2006-7036 in Andys Chat
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in register.php for Andys Chat 4.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the action parameter. NOTE: this issue was announced by an unreliable researcher, but the vendor is no longer distributing the product, so the original claims can not be evaluated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7036 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Andys Chat 4.5 web application's register.php script. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution risks that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity frameworks. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, particularly the action parameter that controls the application's behavior during user registration processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic includes or requires within the register.php file. When an attacker manipulates the action parameter through HTTP requests, the application concatenates this user-supplied input directly into file inclusion statements without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious file paths or URLs that point to remote malicious content, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper direct object reference vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. Once exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected web server, potentially using it as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The implications include unauthorized access to sensitive user data, potential data exfiltration, server compromise, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on dynamic includes and user-controllable parameters without proper security controls, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools that scan for such weaknesses.
From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within web applications. Organizations should employ secure coding practices that avoid direct concatenation of user input into file inclusion statements, instead utilizing allowlists of permitted values or implementing proper parameter validation. The remediation approach should include immediate patching of vulnerable applications, though in this case where the vendor is no longer distributing the product, alternative solutions such as web application firewalls or network-level protections become crucial. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security awareness and the risks associated with using outdated software products that are no longer supported or maintained. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network security monitoring and incident response capabilities.