CVE-2007-0591 in Virtual Path
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in configure.php in Vu Le An Virtual Path (VirtualPath) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0591 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Vu Le An Virtual Path 1.0 web application. This vulnerability exists in the configure.php file where the phpbb_root_path parameter is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, which directly violates fundamental security principles of input validation and secure coding practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the phpbb_root_path parameter to the configure.php script. The application then processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote file inclusion to occur. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where attacker-supplied input is used to determine the file to be included. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code on target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected web server with the privileges of the web application user. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, gain shell access, or manipulate the application's functionality to serve as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability essentially transforms the web application into an attacker-controlled execution environment, making it a prime target for exploitation in automated attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement input validation controls that reject suspicious characters and patterns in URL parameters, particularly those that could be used for file inclusion attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation and using secure coding practices that avoid direct user input in file inclusion operations will prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.