CVE-2007-0680 in Phpbb Tweaked
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions.php in Phpbb Tweaked 3 and earlier 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 • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0680 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Phpbb Tweaked 3 software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the includes/functions.php file and creates a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the phpbb_root_path parameter through crafted URLs, effectively allowing them to inject and execute malicious PHP code on the target server.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected web server, enabling them to execute commands, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability exists due to the software's improper handling of user input in file inclusion contexts, where the application directly uses user-provided parameters without adequate validation or sanitization. This creates a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted and executed as PHP code, bypassing normal security controls and access restrictions.
The exploitation of CVE-2007-0680 aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for PHP, specifically targeting remote code execution through web application vulnerabilities. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious requests containing specially crafted URLs in the phpbb_root_path parameter, which are then processed by the vulnerable application. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the affected software runs with elevated privileges or where the web server has access to sensitive system resources. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of Phpbb Tweaked, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web applications, restricting file inclusion operations to predefined safe paths, and regularly auditing application code for similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and parameterized queries can prevent similar issues in future development cycles. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation in web applications and the potentially devastating consequences of failing to address such flaws in software development practices.