CVE-2007-0559 in Rp World
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in RPW 1.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sql_language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0559 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the RPW 1.0.2 web application, specifically within the config.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into dynamic file inclusion operations. The sql_language parameter serves as the attack vector where malicious actors can inject URLs that point to remote malicious files, enabling code execution through the vulnerable include mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input without adequate sanitization, allowing an attacker to manipulate the sql_language parameter to reference external URLs. This creates a remote code execution scenario where the web server retrieves and executes code from attacker-controlled remote locations. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion (RFI) issue, which is a well-documented security weakness that has been consistently identified in numerous web applications over the years. According to the CWE database, this corresponds to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute code through the PHP interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to upload and execute malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and underlying system, as attackers can manipulate database connections and potentially access sensitive configuration data. Organizations running RPW 1.0.2 are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a foothold for further network penetration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit and can be triggered through simple web requests.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense to address both the immediate security issue and prevent similar flaws in future development. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ allow-list validation techniques to restrict input to predefined safe values rather than allowing arbitrary URLs or file paths. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features and restrict file operations to local directories only. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately to address the vulnerability, and organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the web server has minimal necessary permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to trusted local resources only. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and prevent future occurrences of insecure file handling practices.