CVE-2007-0395 in ComVironment
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in libraries/grab_globals.lib.php in ComVironment 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the inc_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0395 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the ComVironment 4.0 content management system that directly enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides within the libraries/grab_globals.lib.php file and specifically targets the inc_dir parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and validation that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's include mechanism, thereby bypassing normal security boundaries and executing unauthorized code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in dynamic include operations. When the inc_dir parameter is passed to the grab_globals.lib.php script, the system does not perform adequate checks to ensure that the provided value represents a legitimate local path or that it does not contain malicious URL references. This weakness aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation in include statements, and represents a direct violation of secure coding principles that mandate proper parameter sanitization before dynamic code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation allows remote adversaries to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as attackers can modify application behavior, steal sensitive information, or disrupt service operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for executing malicious code through web shells or reverse shells, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0395 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters passed to include functions undergo strict validation to prevent URL injection attacks. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelisting mechanisms for directory paths, using absolute paths instead of relative references, and disabling remote file inclusion features entirely through php.ini configuration settings. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with dynamic include operations and user-supplied data processing. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.