CVE-2006-7104 in MOStlyCE
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in htmltemplate.php in the Chad Auld MOStlyContent Editor (MOStlyCE) as created on May 2006, a component for Mambo 4.5.4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2018
The CVE-2006-7104 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Chad Auld MOStlyContent Editor component for Mambo 4.5.4, demonstrating a classic security weakness that has persisted across many web application frameworks. This vulnerability resides within the htmltemplate.php file and specifically targets the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious URLs. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, allowing remote threat actors to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" within the execution phase of the attack lifecycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter receives a malicious URL, the application processes this input without sufficient security checks, leading to the inclusion of remote files that may contain malicious PHP code. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server, effectively gaining unauthorized control over the web application and potentially the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level, allowing attackers to bypass traditional network-level security controls and directly compromise the server's integrity. This type of vulnerability often enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational implications of CVE-2006-7104 extend far beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected systems and can lead to comprehensive system compromise. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo 4.5.4 with the MOStlyCE component face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to a wide range of threat actors from script kiddies to organized cybercriminal groups. Security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability represents a broader class of issues related to insecure file handling and input validation that continues to plague web applications today. The attack vector demonstrates how legacy systems and outdated components can serve as persistent security weaknesses, particularly when they receive minimal security updates or support from their vendors. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation, using secure coding practices, and maintaining up-to-date software components to prevent similar issues from occurring in modern web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7104 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for all inputs, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, and employ secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution based on user input. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion capabilities within PHP configurations, implementing whitelisting mechanisms for valid file paths, and ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation before processing. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components and ensure that all applications follow secure coding standards aligned with OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that legacy systems require ongoing security attention and that proper security testing during development and deployment phases can prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.