CVE-2007-0189 in Georgian Bulletin Board
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in GeoBB Georgian Bulletin Board allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the action parameter. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue, since GeoBB 1.0 sets $action to a whitelisted value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0189 pertains to a potential remote file inclusion flaw within the GeoBB Georgian Bulletin Board software version 1.0. This issue specifically targets the index.php script where an action parameter is processed without proper validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code. The vulnerability exists in the context of web application security where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before it is used in dynamic code execution contexts. According to the vulnerability description, attackers could manipulate the action parameter with a URL value that would be included and executed on the server, effectively allowing for remote code execution.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of the action parameter within the GeoBB software architecture. When a user submits data containing a URL within the action parameter, the application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in a file inclusion operation. This pattern aligns with common remote file inclusion vulnerabilities classified under CWE-88, which deals with improper neutralization of argument separators in shell commands, and CWE-94, which addresses improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability operates through the exploitation of the PHP include or require functions, which can be manipulated to load and execute remote files, thereby enabling attackers to inject malicious code into the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This level of access allows threat actors to potentially gain complete control over the web application and underlying server infrastructure. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to include data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or access to sensitive data stores.
Despite the vulnerability being disputed by the CVE organization, the technical analysis reveals that the software's implementation may not have properly enforced the whitelisting mechanism mentioned in the note. The discrepancy in the CVE's assessment suggests that while the vendor claims the issue is resolved through whitelisting, the actual implementation may have been insufficient or improperly configured. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as potentially exploitable regardless of the CVE's official stance, particularly when dealing with legacy systems or when the whitelisting mechanism has not been properly validated. The recommended mitigations include implementing strict input validation, avoiding dynamic file inclusion with user-supplied data, and ensuring proper parameter sanitization. Additionally, the security community should consider this case as a cautionary example of how seemingly resolved vulnerabilities can still pose risks if proper validation mechanisms are not thoroughly implemented and tested. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1505.003 for web shell deployment, highlighting the operational security implications of such flaws in web applications.