CVE-2006-7124 in BSQ Sitestats
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in external/rssfeeds.php in BSQ Sitestats (component for Joomla) 1.8.0, and possibly other versions before 2.2.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the baseDir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7124 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the BSQ Sitestats Joomla component version 1.8.0 and earlier versions up to 2.2.0. This vulnerability resides within the external/rssfeeds.php script and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems by manipulating the baseDir parameter through HTTP requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the RSS feeds component. When the application processes the baseDir parameter without proper validation, it becomes susceptible to path traversal attacks and remote code execution. This weakness aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper control of code generation and execution, and represents a variant of the broader category of insecure direct object references. The vulnerability operates by accepting user-supplied input that directly influences file inclusion operations, creating an attack surface where remote adversaries can specify arbitrary file paths or URLs to be included and executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted within Joomla environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code on compromised servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects not just individual websites but entire Joomla installations, as the component is widely deployed across various web platforms. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which encompasses the execution of malicious code through command injection. The attack vector typically involves sending crafted HTTP requests containing malicious baseDir parameters that point to attacker-controlled remote resources or local files containing malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7124 require immediate action through component updates and security hardening measures. Organizations must upgrade to BSQ Sitestats version 2.2.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of the baseDir parameter. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input filtering mechanisms, disable remote file inclusion features where possible, and conduct thorough security audits of all installed Joomla components. The remediation process should also include network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can detect and block suspicious parameter values. Security best practices dictate that all user-supplied inputs be strictly validated and sanitized before processing, particularly when dealing with file inclusion operations. Regular vulnerability scanning and security assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components and ensure comprehensive protection against remote code execution attacks.