CVE-2007-0485 in WebChat
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in defines.php in WebChat 0.77 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the WEBCHATPATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0485 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the WebChat 0.77 application that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the defines.php file within the WebChat software, which processes user input through the WEBCHATPATH parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on this software. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper security controls that would typically be implemented in secure coding practices.
This remote file inclusion vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or injection attack, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The attack vector exploits the insecure handling of user-supplied input by allowing attackers to manipulate the WEBCHATPATH parameter to reference external URLs containing malicious PHP code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which targets vulnerabilities in web applications accessible from the internet. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal application security controls by injecting code through a parameter that should only accept local path references.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running WebChat 0.77 that is accessible from the internet and has not implemented proper security measures. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly exposed web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation implementation. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of WebChat that properly validates and sanitizes the WEBCHATPATH parameter. Organizations should implement strict input validation that rejects any URLs containing external references or implements whitelisting mechanisms that only allow specific local paths. The principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to local directories only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion features entirely and enforce proper parameter validation at multiple layers of the application architecture to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system.