CVE-2007-0489 in visohotlink
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions.visohotlink.php in VisoHotlink 1.01 and possibly earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0489 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the VisoHotlink 1.01 web application and potentially earlier versions. This issue resides in the includes/functions.visohotlink.php file where improper input validation allows attackers to inject malicious URLs through the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code due to inadequate input validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to point to a remote malicious file containing PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it includes and executes the remote code within the context of the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication or local access to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to web applications using VisoHotlink 1.01 or earlier versions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature, meaning that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without needing physical access to the target system. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of remote services for initial access, and T1059, representing the execution of code through command-line interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the VisoHotlink application to the latest available version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for all parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to local paths only. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include scanning for known vulnerable applications and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of application files. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening the overall security posture of the web application environment to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system.