CVE-2007-0170 in AllMyVisitors
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in AllMyVisitors 0.4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the AMV_serverpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0170 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in AllMyVisitors version 0.4.0, specifically within the index.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input passed through the AMV_serverpath parameter, which is then used in a remote file inclusion operation without adequate sanitization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the AMV_serverpath parameter to the index.php script. The application processes this input directly without proper validation or sanitization, allowing the attacker to specify any remote URL that contains malicious PHP code. When the application attempts to include this remote file, the malicious code gets executed within the context of the web server, providing the attacker with arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and gain full control over the affected web application and potentially the underlying server.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe security implications for organizations running AllMyVisitors 0.4.0. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malware, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-89 categories, representing improper input validation and code injection weaknesses respectively. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, remote code execution, and privilege escalation, making it a significant threat vector for adversaries seeking persistent access to target environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the AllMyVisitors application to version 0.4.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this remote file inclusion issue. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation before being processed. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security practices should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of failing to implement adequate security controls in web applications.