CVE-2007-0635 in EncapsCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in EncapsCMS 0.3.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) config[path] parameter to (a) common_foot.php or (b) blogs.php, or (2) the config[theme] parameter to (c) admin/gallery_head.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0635 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within EncapsCMS version 0.3.6, specifically targeting PHP applications that fail to properly validate user input. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through multiple entry points within the application's codebase, making it particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with several potential attack vectors to compromise the target environment.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of specific configuration parameters within the CMS application. Attackers can manipulate the config[path] parameter in common_foot.php and blogs.php files, or the config[theme] parameter in admin/gallery_head.php to inject malicious URLs. When the application processes these parameters without proper sanitization, it attempts to include and execute remote files, effectively allowing attackers to run arbitrary PHP code on the server. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code, both of which are fundamental to remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and secure coding practices in PHP applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables complete system compromise from a remote location without requiring authentication. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments. The attack surface extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through remote access tools, and T1505.003, which addresses server-side include attacks. Organizations running EncapsCMS 0.3.6 are at significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise, particularly when the application is exposed to untrusted networks or user inputs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected CMS version, as the vulnerability is a known issue that has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly checked before being processed by the application. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting the application's ability to include external resources, and parameterized queries should be implemented to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to administrative interfaces and prevent unauthorized remote access to vulnerable components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious inclusion patterns, and regular security audits should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application codebase.