CVE-2006-7052 in DotWidget For Articles
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in DotWidget For Articles (dotwidgeta) 0.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a URL in the (1) file_path parameter to (a) index.php, (b) showcatpicks.php, and (c) showarticle.php; and the (2) admin_header_file and (3) admin_footer_file parameters to (d) admin/authors.php, (e) admin/index.php, (f) admin/categories.php, (g) admin/editconfig.php, and (h) admin/articles.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7052 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting DotWidget For Articles version 0.2, a content management component that integrates with PHP-based web applications. This vulnerability resides within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically in how it processes user-supplied input for file paths and includes. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's execution flow, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-88 as "Argument Injection or Modification" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it targets web-facing interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the DotWidget For Articles plugin. Attackers can exploit the file_path parameter in index.php, showcatpicks.php, and showarticle.php by supplying malicious URLs that get directly included into the application's execution context. Additionally, the admin_header_file and admin_footer_file parameters in various administrative scripts provide further attack vectors. These parameters are particularly dangerous because they operate within the administrative context, potentially allowing attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability exists due to the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in include or require statements, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed as PHP code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with multiple pathways to compromise the target system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects not just the web application itself but potentially the entire hosting environment, as the included files may execute with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a significant risk for organizations using vulnerable versions of DotWidget For Articles, as the attack surface includes not only the application's functionality but also the underlying server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7052 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable DotWidget For Articles plugin to version 0.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement strict input validation measures at the web application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being processed. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting these specific parameters. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper file access controls. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other applications within the infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.