CVE-2007-0145 in Bingo News
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in bn_smrep1.php in BinGoPHP News (BP News) 3.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the bnrep parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-4648 and CVE-2006-4649.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0145 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the BinGoPHP News 3.01 content management system. This issue specifically affects the bn_smrep1.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability manifests through the bnrep parameter, which when manipulated with a malicious URL, allows attackers to load external PHP scripts and execute them within the context of the web application. This represents a significant security weakness that directly violates the principle of input validation and sanitization that forms the foundation of secure web application development practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting a malicious URL that gets passed through the bnrep parameter, effectively bypassing normal access controls and allowing execution of arbitrary code on the web server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include attacks, where adversaries use legitimate server functionality to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain persistent access to the web server, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification of existing content, or installation of backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and its underlying data, making it a high-priority issue for any organization running affected versions of BinGoPHP News. Additionally, the remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet, significantly expanding the attack surface and reducing the effectiveness of traditional network-based security controls. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities remain unpatched, as they represent clear failures in secure coding practices and application security hygiene.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected BinGoPHP News 3.01 installation to the latest version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be relied upon as the sole solution. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access external resources through the affected parameter. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments, particularly focusing on preventing improper input handling that can lead to remote code execution vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their web application portfolio.