CVE-2006-7208 in Com Forum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in download.php in the Adam van Dongen Forum (com_forum) component (aka phpBB component) 1.2.4RC3 and earlier for Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2024
This vulnerability exists in the Adam van Dongen Forum component version 1.2.4RC3 and earlier for Mambo CMS, specifically within the download.php script. The flaw represents a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the phpbb_root_path parameter. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, enabling attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting external URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the PHP include or require functions, which are commonly used to incorporate external files into the execution flow. When the phpbb_root_path parameter is not properly validated, an attacker can inject a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code. This creates a chain of execution where the vulnerable application fetches and executes the attacker-controlled code, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-94 weakness, specifically related to Improper Control of Generation of Code, which falls under the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected systems. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can use this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server for further attacks. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.2.4RC3, making it a critical security concern for organizations using outdated Mambo CMS installations with the affected component. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected component to version 1.2.4RC4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web servers to restrict file inclusion operations to local paths only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block suspicious URL patterns in parameters like phpbb_root_path can provide additional protection layers. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, known as Exploit Public-Facing Application, which describes how adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in publicly accessible applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues in their web applications.