CVE-2007-0535 in Vote Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple eval injection vulnerabilities in Vote! Pro 4.0, and possibly earlier, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via requests to unspecified PHP scripts with the poll_id parameter, which is supplied to eval function calls, a different set of vectors than CVE-2007-0504. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0535 represents a critical server-side code injection flaw affecting Vote! Pro version 4.0 and potentially earlier iterations. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within PHP scripts, specifically targeting the poll_id parameter that gets processed through eval function calls. The security flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that enables attackers to inject malicious code directly into the application's execution flow. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls within the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that have been consistently identified as high-risk threats in cybersecurity assessments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the poll_id parameter in HTTP requests sent to unspecified PHP scripts within the Vote! Pro application. When the application processes this parameter, it passes the user-controlled input directly to the eval function without proper sanitization or validation. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, effectively allowing them to perform actions such as reading system files, executing shell commands, or gaining full administrative control over the vulnerable system. The exploitation mechanism differs from similar vulnerabilities like CVE-2007-0504, indicating multiple attack vectors within the same application that compound the overall security risk. The use of eval functions in web applications is particularly dangerous because they execute code dynamically, making them prime targets for malicious input injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0535 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation allows attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and access sensitive information stored within the application's database or file system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire voting system, potentially compromising election results or sensitive polling data. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Vote! Pro face significant risks including unauthorized access to backend systems, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of critical voting processes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications that are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0535 must address the fundamental flaw in input handling and code execution practices within the Vote! Pro application. The primary recommendation involves eliminating the use of eval functions with user-supplied input, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that filter or escape all user-provided data before processing. The application should employ parameterized queries and prepared statements for database interactions, along with proper access controls and authentication mechanisms. Additionally, security patches or updates from the software vendor should be applied immediately, as the vulnerability affects versions up to and including 4.0. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and penetration testing help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," and demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing code injection attacks.