CVE-2007-0511 in phpXMLDOM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpXMLDOM (phpXD) 0.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter to (1) dom.php, (2) dtd.php, or (3) parser.php in include/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0511 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting phpXMLDOM version 0.3 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides within the phpXD library and manifests through three specific files including dom.php, dtd.php, and parser.php located in the include/ directory structure. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, specifically the path parameter that is processed during XML document parsing operations.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes the improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and more specifically to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The security weakness enables attackers to inject malicious URLs into the path parameter, allowing the application to include and execute remote PHP code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the input parameters of the affected PHP scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining complete control over the web application and underlying infrastructure. This includes the ability to read sensitive files, execute commands, establish backdoors, or perform data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects web applications that utilize phpXMLDOM for XML processing and are configured with allow_url_include enabled, making the attack surface significantly larger.
The exploitation process involves crafting malicious HTTP requests that target the vulnerable PHP files and inject URLs pointing to attacker-controlled remote resources. When the application processes these requests, it includes and executes the remote PHP code, effectively bypassing normal security controls. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for initial access or execution, and T1059, covering the execution of commands through various scripting languages. Organizations using vulnerable versions of phpXMLDOM should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, disabling remote file inclusion, and applying the latest security patches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include upgrading to a patched version of phpXMLDOM, implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, disabling allow_url_include in php.ini configurations, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, conducting regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management processes are essential defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of insecure file inclusion mechanisms in web applications.