CVE-2006-7156 in Keyword Replacer
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in addon_keywords.php in Keyword Replacer (keyword_replacer) 1.0 and earlier, a module for miniBB, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pathToFiles parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7156 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Keyword Replacer module version 1.0 and earlier, which is part of the miniBB forum software ecosystem. This vulnerability resides in the addon_keywords.php script and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference issue that has plagued web applications for decades. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The vulnerability specifically targets the pathToFiles parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get interpreted as file paths.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or injection attack, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack mechanism involves an attacker crafting a malicious URL and passing it through the pathToFiles parameter, which then gets included in the PHP execution context. This creates a scenario where the web server executes code from external sources rather than from legitimate local files, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the parameter value, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be executed from anywhere on the internet.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-7156 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server running the vulnerable miniBB installation. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks where the vulnerable system resides. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify database content, or even establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability also aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through web application interfaces. Organizations running vulnerable versions of miniBB face significant risk of becoming part of botnet command and control infrastructure or experiencing complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must be comprehensive and address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to a patched version of the Keyword Replacer module or the entire miniBB platform, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization. Implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization techniques should be enforced throughout the application codebase, particularly for any user-supplied input that gets processed in file inclusion contexts. Security measures should include disabling the ability to pass external URLs through file inclusion parameters, implementing strict input validation that only accepts known good values, and employing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar patterns that could lead to other remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in legacy applications and can have devastating consequences when exploited.