CVE-2007-0558 in vHostAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modules/mail/main.php in Inter7 vHostAdmin 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the MODULES_DIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0558 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Inter7 vHostAdmin 1.0 web application, specifically within the modules/mail/main.php file. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the MODULES_DIR parameter that is used to determine the directory path for module loading. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for MODULES_DIR, the application blindly includes this external resource without adequate security checks, enabling remote code execution capabilities.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an input command, and CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code. The attack vector operates through a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) exploit where an attacker can leverage the vulnerable parameter to load malicious PHP scripts from remote servers. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise, as the attacker can potentially gain administrative access, escalate privileges, and perform unauthorized operations on the compromised server. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper sanitization and whitelisting mechanisms for all user-controllable parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that deploy Inter7 vHostAdmin 1.0 without proper security measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject malware, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability exists at the application level and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code. The attack can be automated and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less sophisticated threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should employ whitelisting approaches that restrict file inclusion to predefined, trusted directories and reject any external URLs or paths that could lead to remote resource loading. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using PHP settings such as allow_url_include set to off. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately to address the vulnerability, and the application should be reviewed for similar patterns of insecure file handling throughout the codebase. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.