CVE-2006-7183 in Exhibit Engine 2
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in styles.php in Exhibit Engine (EE) 1.22 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the toroot parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7183 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Exhibit Engine version 1.22 and earlier, specifically within the styles.php script. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before it is used in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs through the toroot parameter, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the toroot parameter to the styles.php script. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in a file inclusion context, typically through functions like include or require. This allows the attacker to load and execute arbitrary PHP code from a remote server, effectively bypassing local security controls and potentially gaining full control over the affected web application. The flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in input validation and code execution flows.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for systems running affected versions of Exhibit Engine, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and full server control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which covers executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7183 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied data from being used in file inclusion operations without proper verification. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined, trusted directories. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in legacy applications that may not receive ongoing support or updates.