CVE-2007-0649 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
Variable overwrite vulnerability in interface/globals.php in OpenEMR 2.8.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary program variables and conduct other unauthorized activities, such as conduct (a) remote file inclusion attacks via the srcdir parameter in custom/import_xml.php or (b) cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via the rootdir parameter in interface/login/login_frame.php, via vectors associated with extract operations on the (1) POST and (2) GET superglobal arrays. NOTE: this issue was originally disputed before the extract behavior was identified in post-disclosure analysis. Also, the original report identified "Open Conference Systems," but this was an error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0649 represents a critical variable overwrite flaw affecting OpenEMR versions 2.8.2 and earlier, specifically within the interface/globals.php file. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of superglobal arrays during extract operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate program variables through crafted input parameters. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user-supplied data, particularly when using the extract() function with POST and GET parameters, which allows attackers to override critical internal variables and potentially execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage the insecure extraction of variables from superglobal arrays. The first vector involves remote file inclusion attacks through the srcdir parameter in custom/import_xml.php, where an attacker can manipulate the extraction process to include arbitrary files on the server. The second vector targets cross-site scripting vulnerabilities via the rootdir parameter in interface/login/login_frame.php, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Both attack vectors exploit the fundamental weakness in how OpenEMR handles variable assignment, particularly when the extract() function processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to fundamentally compromise the application's integrity and security posture. Remote file inclusion attacks can lead to complete system compromise, while cross-site scripting vulnerabilities can result in session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive patient information. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-95, which describes improper neutralization of directives in a code or command, and reflects the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that can severely impact healthcare information systems. Given that OpenEMR is widely used in medical environments, the potential for data breaches and privacy violations makes this vulnerability particularly concerning from both security and compliance perspectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0649 should focus on eliminating the vulnerable extract() operations and implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should immediately upgrade to OpenEMR versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported and contain multiple security weaknesses. The recommended approach involves removing or replacing the extract() function calls with explicit variable assignments, implementing strict input validation for all parameters, and using secure coding practices that prevent variable overwrite scenarios. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to limit exposure and detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's codebase. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter handling in web applications, particularly in healthcare systems where patient data security is paramount.