CVE-2006-7109 in Imce Module
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in IMCE before 1.6, a Drupal module, allows remote authenticated users to upload arbitrary PHP code via a filename with a double extension such as .php.gif.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-7109 represents a critical security flaw in the IMCE module for Drupal content management systems prior to version 1.6. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and file extension handling mechanisms within the module's file upload functionality. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target server. The flaw enables attackers to bypass security restrictions by exploiting the module's failure to properly validate file extensions, allowing malicious files to be uploaded with deceptive naming conventions that can fool security mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file extensions through double extensions such as .php.gif, where the server interprets the file based on the first extension while the actual executable code resides in the second extension. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security. The attack vector requires an authenticated user account, making it somewhat less severe than fully unauthenticated exploits, but still poses significant risk as it can be leveraged by compromised accounts or through social engineering techniques to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a weakness in a publicly accessible web application component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the target system, deploy backdoors, or escalate privileges within the Drupal environment. The security implications are particularly severe in multi-user environments where the IMCE module is used for file management, as it provides a direct path to compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Attackers can upload web shells or other malicious scripts that persist across server restarts and can be used to maintain access, exfiltrate data, or launch further attacks against internal network resources. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to data integrity and system availability, as it can be used to modify or delete critical application files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7109 should include immediate upgrading to IMCE version 1.6 or later, which contains proper file validation and extension handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities to only trusted users, implementing strict file type validation on the server side, and using Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of uploaded files. The recommended approach includes configuring the web server to prevent execution of PHP files in upload directories, implementing proper file extension checks, and using file content validation to verify that uploaded files match their declared types. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based detection measures to monitor for suspicious file upload activities and establish regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web application components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design, as outlined in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.