CVE-2007-0496 in WebSite
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/nl/nl.php in Neon Labs Website (nlws) 3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the g_strRootDir parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0496 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Neon Labs Website (nlws) version 3.2 and earlier. This issue resides within the lib/nl/nl.php component where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file path operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the g_strRootDir parameter which serves as a critical entry point for attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be executed within the context of the web server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command" and aligns with the broader CWE-94 classification for "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')". The flaw enables attackers to leverage the application's file inclusion mechanisms to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for the g_strRootDir parameter in the application's request processing. The vulnerable code does not sanitize or validate this input, allowing the web application to treat the supplied URL as a legitimate file path. When the application attempts to include this file, it executes the remote code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation and insecure file handling practices that have been consistently identified as high-risk security flaws in web applications. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests where the malicious payload is embedded within the URL parameter, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install backdoors, modify application behavior, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of the Neon Labs Website platform, potentially exposing critical infrastructure to unauthorized access. This issue particularly impacts web applications that rely on dynamic file inclusion mechanisms without proper input validation, creating a significant risk for businesses that have not maintained their software components. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote nature, allowing attackers to exploit it from any location without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0496 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious URLs from being processed as file paths. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion features entirely within the application configuration, implementing strict parameter validation, and using allowlists for acceptable file paths. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability assessments, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for web server processes can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider adopting secure coding practices that align with the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions while maintaining the application's intended functionality.