CVE-2007-0576 in Xt-Stats
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in xt_counter.php in Xt-Stats 2.3.x up to 2.4.0.b3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the server_base_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0576 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Xt-Stats web analytics package version 2.3.x through 2.4.0.b3. This issue specifically affects the xt_counter.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of the server_base_dir parameter, which is directly used in file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the server_base_dir parameter to the xt_counter.php script. The application processes this parameter directly within a file inclusion context, allowing the remote attacker to specify any valid URL that could contain malicious PHP code. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server, effectively gaining unauthorized control over the system. The flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing code to be injected and executed as a result of improper input validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to web server security and data integrity. Attackers can use this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or launch further attacks against the internal network. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities as compromised systems can serve as launch points for broader attacks, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data breaches. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in public-facing web applications.
Organizations utilizing Xt-Stats versions affected by CVE-2007-0576 should implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of Xt-Stats that properly validates and sanitizes the server_base_dir parameter before processing. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the web application firewall level can provide an additional layer of protection. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration, implementing proper parameter validation, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all web applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of failing to sanitize user-provided data in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through web shells and command injection.