CVE-2007-0551 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in cmsimple/cms.php in CMSimple 2.7 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) pth[file][config] and (2) pth[file][image] parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0551 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within CMSimple 2.7's cms.php component that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the parameter handling logic where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file paths. The specific parameters affected are pth[file][config] and pth[file][image], which are processed without adequate input sanitization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject external URLs that get executed as PHP code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. The flaw operates by allowing remote attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism through crafted URL parameters that are directly incorporated into the file path resolution process. When the application attempts to include files using these parameters, it processes the attacker-controlled URLs as legitimate file paths, leading to code execution.
This vulnerability creates a severe operational impact as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the affected web application and underlying server. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include data theft, system reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects any system running CMSimple 2.7 where the application is configured to allow file inclusion from external sources or where user input is not properly sanitized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0551 should prioritize immediate patching of the CMSimple application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. System administrators should implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web server processes with minimal required permissions and implementing proper access controls. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts, following ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059 for command and script injection and T1566 for malicious file execution. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure proper input validation practices are maintained across the entire system infrastructure.