CVE-2015-6008 in Web Reference Database
Summary
by MITRE
install.php in Web Reference Database (aka refbase) through 0.9.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the adminPassword parameter, a different issue than CVE-2015-7381.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6008 affects the Web Reference Database application known as refbase version 0.9.6 and earlier. This issue resides within the install.php script which serves as the installation interface for the application. The vulnerability represents a critical command execution flaw that enables remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary system commands on the target server. Unlike CVE-2015-7381 which addresses a different vulnerability vector, CVE-2015-6008 specifically targets the adminPassword parameter during the installation process, creating an attack surface that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and directly compromises the underlying operating system.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the install.php script. When attackers provide malicious input through the adminPassword parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before processing it in system execution contexts. This allows attackers to inject shell commands that get executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and specifically manifests as a command injection weakness. The attack vector operates entirely over network communication without requiring any prior authentication or session access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to data theft, system modification, or use of the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire installation process, meaning that any system running refbase version 0.9.6 or earlier is at risk during the initial setup phase or any subsequent installation attempts. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to compromise systems before proper security measures can be implemented, particularly affecting organizations that may not have established robust security practices during their initial deployment phases. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and script execution, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such flaws to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6008 require immediate action including updating to refbase version 0.9.7 or later which contains patches addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to installation interfaces, disable unnecessary installation scripts in production environments, and employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious command injection attempts. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at all levels of the application stack, with proper escaping of special characters and implementation of allow-list validation for parameters that may be processed in system contexts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to installation interfaces, while regular security audits should verify that no vulnerable versions remain operational within the organization's infrastructure.