CVE-2007-0530 in Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Advanced Guestbook 2.4.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter to (1) index.php, (2) addentry.php, or (3) picture.php, a different set of vectors than CVE-2006-5804. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by third party researchers, stating that the include_path variable is instantiated before use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0530 represents a potential remote file inclusion flaw within the Advanced Guestbook 2.4.2 web application that could theoretically permit attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. This issue affects multiple entry points including index.php, addentry.php, and picture.php scripts, all of which are believed to accept a URL parameter through the include_path variable. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, which are classified under CWE-20 and CWE-94 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. Such vulnerabilities represent significant security risks as they can allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Advanced Guestbook application's PHP scripts. When the include_path parameter is processed without adequate validation, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the include_path variable to reference remote malicious files. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications directly use user-supplied input to construct file paths or include statements without proper sanitization. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious URL that gets processed by the vulnerable PHP scripts, potentially allowing remote code execution. According to the original CVE description, this vulnerability operates through a different set of attack vectors compared to CVE-2006-5804, indicating it may involve distinct code paths or different parameter handling mechanisms within the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability could be severe for organizations running affected versions of Advanced Guestbook, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the guestbook application, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate guestbook entries, access sensitive information, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The distributed nature of this vulnerability across multiple PHP files increases the attack surface and makes it more difficult to secure the application fully. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if such vulnerabilities are exploited to gain unauthorized access to systems or data.
While the vulnerability has been disputed by third-party researchers who argue that the include_path variable is instantiated before use, the potential for exploitation remains significant and warrants careful consideration. The disputed nature of this CVE highlights the importance of thorough vulnerability assessment and validation by multiple independent parties. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, restrict file inclusion to trusted sources only, and ensure that all web applications are regularly updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations. Security professionals should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate such issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under initial access and execution phases, emphasizing the need for robust application security controls.