CVE-2007-0495 in PhpSherpa
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/config.inc.php in PhpSherpa allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the racine parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0495 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PhpSherpa application that directly enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides within the include/config.inc.php file where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, specifically the racine parameter that controls file inclusion paths. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where attacker-controlled input is used to determine which files to include in the application's execution context. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the racine parameter to the vulnerable application. The application then processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote attacker to include arbitrary PHP files from external sources. This creates an environment where malicious code can be executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreters, as the malicious PHP code can be executed through the web server's PHP interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the affected system, potentially using it as a foothold for further network penetration. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system, as it allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands, modify system files, and potentially establish backdoors for continued access. Organizations running vulnerable versions of PhpSherpa face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where sensitive data processing occurs. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal effort to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to both automated scanners and targeted attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0495 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable application to address the root cause of the improper input validation. Organizations must ensure that all input parameters, particularly those used for file inclusion operations, undergo strict validation and sanitization before being processed. Implementing proper input validation techniques, including whitelisting of allowed values, parameterized queries, and secure coding practices, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The application should be configured to use absolute paths for file inclusion operations and avoid accepting user-supplied input for determining file paths. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications, following secure coding guidelines established by organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping all software components up to date with the latest security patches and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.