CVE-2006-7091 in phpht Topsites FREE
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in phpht Topsites FREE 1.022b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the fullpath parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2017
This vulnerability exists in phpht Topsites FREE version 1.022b where the config.php file contains a remote file inclusion flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. The vulnerability specifically occurs when the fullpath parameter is manipulated with a URL, enabling attackers to include and execute remote PHP scripts. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web applications. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject external URLs that get processed by the application's include or require functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages PHP's ability to include files from remote locations when the target parameter is not properly validated. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in the fullpath parameter, the application's config.php script processes this input without adequate sanitization, leading to the execution of remote code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code/commands. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and the dangerous practice of directly incorporating user-supplied data into file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malware, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring any authentication, making it highly accessible to threat actors. This remote code execution capability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can establish persistent access and execute malicious commands. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters. The application should reject any input that contains URLs or external references and instead use a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations. Developers should avoid using user-supplied data directly in include or require statements, and instead implement strict validation mechanisms that only allow predefined safe values. Additionally, the web server configuration should disable remote file inclusion features and implement proper access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security updates and code reviews are essential to prevent similar flaws from being introduced in future versions, and adherence to secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks should be mandatory for all development teams.