CVE-2006-7182 in MNews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in noticias.php in MNews 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the inc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-7182 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting MNews 2.0 and earlier versions. This issue resides within the noticias.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the inc parameter which is used to determine which include files should be loaded during script execution, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through carefully crafted URLs.
This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically maps to CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the include path parameter to reference remote malicious files, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application level and represents a classic example of unsafe dynamic code execution, where user-supplied data directly influences the code that gets executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without authentication, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. An attacker can leverage this weakness to upload and execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications that use dynamic include mechanisms without proper input sanitization, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted input from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques. The most effective approach involves removing or disabling the use of dynamic include functions that accept user-supplied data, replacing them with static include statements or whitelisting mechanisms that only allow predefined, trusted files to be included. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation and using secure coding practices such as those recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and CERT Secure Coding Standards can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles. The remediation process should also include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped and validated before being used in any dynamic execution contexts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security testing and code reviews to identify similar patterns and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized code execution.