CVE-2007-0135 in Aratix
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/init.inc.php in Aratix 0.2.2 beta 11 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the current_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0135 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Aratix content management system version 0.2.2 beta 11 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the inc/init.inc.php file and exploits a dangerous configuration practice that was common in older php applications. The flaw occurs when the register_globals directive is enabled in the php.ini configuration file, which automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables within the php script context. This dangerous configuration allows attackers to inject malicious parameters directly into the application's execution environment, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of user-supplied input within the current_path parameter. When register_globals is enabled, an attacker can manipulate the current_path variable through HTTP GET or POST requests, causing the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote servers. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the initialization process, where the application directly incorporates user-provided path parameters into file inclusion operations without adequate security checks. This pattern of insecure coding practices aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability through file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further network compromise. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can also provide a foothold for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network infrastructure. The risk is amplified by the fact that many older php applications and configurations still had register_globals enabled by default, making this attack vector particularly dangerous in legacy environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for remote command execution through web application exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0135 require immediate action to address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying security misconfigurations. The primary recommendation is to disable the register_globals directive in php.ini configuration files, as this eliminates the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, all applications should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, ensuring that any user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being used in file inclusion operations. The application code should be updated to use explicit variable declarations and avoid relying on global variables created from HTTP requests. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar insecure coding practices throughout the application portfolio, while also ensuring that all systems maintain current security patches and configurations aligned with modern security standards.