CVE-2007-0599 in Aztek
Summary
by MITRE
Variable overwrite vulnerability in common/config.php in Aztek Forum 4.00 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary program variables and conduct other unauthorized activities, such as copying arbitrary files using index/common_actions.php, via vectors associated with extract operations on the (1) POST, (2) GET, (3) COOKIE, and (4) SERVER superglobal arrays.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0599 represents a critical variable overwrite flaw in the Aztek Forum 4.00 application that stems from improper handling of superglobal arrays during input processing. This issue resides within the common/config.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in various forms throughout cybersecurity history. The vulnerability specifically affects the extraction mechanisms that process data from multiple HTTP input sources including POST, GET, COOKIE, and SERVER superglobal arrays, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate application variables at runtime.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the PHP extract() function or similar variable extraction mechanisms that automatically create variables from array keys and values. When these functions process user-controllable input from the four superglobal arrays mentioned in the CVE description, they inadvertently allow attackers to overwrite critical program variables that should remain protected or immutable. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before extraction, enabling attackers to inject malicious variable names that correspond to existing program variables, thereby achieving unauthorized control over application flow and state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple variable overwriting to encompass full file system manipulation capabilities through the index/common_actions.php component. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to copy arbitrary files on the target system, effectively enabling them to read sensitive data, modify application files, or even deploy malicious code. This represents a significant escalation from basic variable manipulation to full system compromise, as demonstrated by the ability to perform file operations that should normally be restricted to authorized administrators. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a foothold that can be used to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within a recognized security boundary, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw essentially creates a security boundary violation where user input can directly influence program variables that control application behavior, leading to potential remote code execution or data compromise scenarios. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, removal of dangerous extraction patterns, and proper variable scoping to prevent unauthorized variable assignment from external sources.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires comprehensive code review and modification of the affected application components. Security practitioners should implement strict input validation measures that prevent malicious variable names from being processed through extraction functions, particularly in the common/config.php file. Additionally, the application should be updated to use more secure coding practices that avoid the use of extract() functions with untrusted input or implement proper variable whitelisting mechanisms. The fix should also include implementing proper access controls and authentication checks within the index/common_actions.php component to prevent unauthorized file operations that could result from successful exploitation of this vulnerability.