CVE-2006-7174 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions.php in the Dimension module of phpBB allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter. NOTE: this may be the same issue as CVE-2006-5235.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-7174 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpBB content management system, specifically affecting the Dimension module. This issue arises from improper input validation in the includes/functions.php file where the phpbb_root_path parameter is not adequately sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be executed as PHP code on the target server, potentially allowing full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The flaw operates through a classic remote code execution vector where an attacker can manipulate the phpbb_root_path parameter to include external URLs, effectively bypassing normal access controls and executing malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The attack requires minimal user interaction since the vulnerability exists in a core include file that is automatically processed during normal forum operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal user credentials, access database contents, and establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects all versions of phpBB that include the affected Dimension module, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across numerous installations without requiring specific targeting knowledge. Additionally, the issue may be related to CVE-2006-5235, suggesting a broader pattern of similar vulnerabilities within the same software ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected phpBB installations to the latest security releases, implementation of input validation controls to sanitize all user-supplied parameters, and network-level restrictions to prevent access to potentially malicious URLs. Security administrators should also implement proper web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns, while monitoring for unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation through remote code execution. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and implement robust security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.