CVE-2007-0500 in Bradabra
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/includes.php in Bradabra 2.0.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0500 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Bradabra version 2.0.5 and earlier. This issue resides within the include/includes.php file where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into the include_path parameter. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of dynamic includes, allowing attackers to manipulate the include_path variable to reference remote malicious files hosted on external servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper 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 include_path parameter to the vulnerable application. The PHP interpreter then processes this parameter and attempts to include the remote file, executing any PHP code contained within it. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows for complete remote code execution on the target server, potentially enabling attackers to gain full administrative control. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-98, which specifically addresses the issue of allowing inclusion of files with predictable names that are not properly validated. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to web application security and can result in complete system compromise.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, and perform lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation. The attack surface is broad as it affects any system running the vulnerable version of Bradabra, with potential for widespread impact across multiple applications that may share similar code patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software to version 2.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into include_path parameters. Web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious include_path parameter values. The implementation of secure coding practices such as using allowlists for file inclusion, disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configurations, and employing proper input validation techniques are essential defensive measures. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their codebase and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and the potential consequences of failing to implement proper security controls in web applications.