CVE-2007-0571 in phpMyReports
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/lib/lib_head.php in phpMyReports 3.0.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cfgPathModule parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0571 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpMyReports 3.0.11 software ecosystem. This issue specifically targets the include/lib/lib_head.php component where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the cfgPathModule parameter. The vulnerability resides in the software's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution. This flaw directly impacts the application's security posture by enabling attackers to execute malicious PHP code on the target system through crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's use of dynamic file inclusion without adequate validation or sanitization of the input parameters. When the cfgPathModule parameter is passed to the lib_head.php script, the application directly incorporates this value into a file inclusion statement without proper verification of its contents. This behavior aligns with common remote file inclusion vulnerabilities classified under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or injection context. The flaw operates at the intersection of input validation and file system operations, where user-controllable data flows directly into system commands or file operations without appropriate security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially gaining persistent access to the affected server. The vulnerability affects all versions of phpMyReports up to and including 3.0.11, representing a substantial attack surface given the widespread use of this reporting tool in web applications. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser manipulation, automated scanning tools, or social engineering techniques that prompt users to visit malicious URLs. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible applications.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation controls and proper parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, by employing allowlists of approved values rather than denylists. The recommended approach involves modifying the application code to validate the cfgPathModule parameter against a predefined set of acceptable values or implementing proper URL validation to ensure that only local file paths are accepted. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by restricting the web application's ability to include files from external sources. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include thorough code review to identify similar patterns throughout the application codebase, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in the software architecture.