CVE-2007-0531 in FreeWebShop
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/login.php in FreeWebShop 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 before 20070123 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lang_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0531 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the FreeWebShop e-commerce platform version 2.2.3 and 2.2.4, prior to the 20070123 patch release. This vulnerability resides within the includes/login.php script and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern that enables attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input parameters. The flaw specifically affects the lang_file parameter which is used to include language files within the application's authentication process, creating an opportunity for remote code execution through malicious file inclusion attacks.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes the improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or injection attack, and CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The technical implementation involves the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in the lang_file parameter, the application's insecure handling of this input allows the execution of arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation and the application's trust in user-provided data during the file inclusion process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application functionality, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the authentication and session management components of the FreeWebShop platform, potentially compromising user accounts and sensitive business data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the login process is a critical entry point for the application, making this vulnerability especially attractive to attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to e-commerce systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0531 should prioritize immediate patching of the FreeWebShop application to version 2.2.4 or later, which includes the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed in the lang_file parameter, utilizing allowlists of approved language files rather than accepting arbitrary user input. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations to specific directories and ensuring that user input cannot traverse directory boundaries. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious URL patterns in the lang_file parameter. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices including proper input validation, output encoding, and avoiding dynamic file inclusion with user-controllable variables. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the PHP interpreter.