CVE-2007-0585 in Webfwlog
Summary
by MITRE
include/debug.php in Webfwlog 0.92 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to obtain source code of files via the conffile parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information. It is likely that this issue can be exploited to conduct directory traversal attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0585 affects Webfwlog version 0.92 and earlier, specifically targeting the include/debug.php component when the PHP configuration option register_globals is enabled. This flaw represents a classic path traversal and code disclosure vulnerability that exploits improper input validation and insecure file handling practices. The vulnerability arises from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the conffile parameter and access arbitrary files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the conffile parameter within the debug.php script, which directly influences how the application processes file inclusion operations. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious requests that manipulate the conffile parameter to point to sensitive files such as configuration files, source code files, or other system resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the inherent insecurity of register_globals, which was deprecated in PHP 4.2.0 and removed in PHP 5.4.0 due to its significant security implications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal operations. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability maps to path traversal flaws that allow attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. The security implications are severe as attackers could potentially access database configuration files containing credentials, application source code revealing implementation details, or system files that could aid in further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it provides unauthorized access to sensitive application files and configuration data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of the insecure file handling. The primary remediation involves disabling the register_globals configuration option in PHP, which should be done at the server level or through proper application configuration. Additionally, input validation and sanitization must be implemented to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being used in file operations. The application should implement strict file path validation that prevents traversal attacks by rejecting suspicious path sequences and ensuring that file operations occur only within designated directories. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and file permissions to limit the exposure of sensitive files even if the vulnerability is exploited. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations that enable dangerous features like register_globals.