CVE-2007-0683 in Omegaboard
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions.php in Omegaboard 1.0beta4 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-2007-0683 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Omegaboard 1.0beta4 software and earlier versions. This issue resides in the includes/functions.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating external resources into the execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the phpbb_root_path parameter which is utilized to determine the root directory path for phpBB integration within the Omegaboard environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by supplying a malicious URL as the value for phpbb_root_path, enabling them to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-94, representing an inadequate restriction of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected system. Successful exploitation allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. Attackers can also use this vector to enumerate the server environment, access database credentials, or escalate privileges within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Omegaboard was a popular bulletin board system, meaning numerous web applications were potentially exposed to this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces including web shells.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and underlying architectural weaknesses. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ whitelisting mechanisms that restrict the phpbb_root_path parameter to predefined, safe values rather than accepting arbitrary URLs. The application should also implement proper path validation techniques to prevent directory traversal attacks and ensure that all external resource inclusion operations are strictly controlled. Additionally, the system should enforce secure coding practices such as using include_once or require_once statements with validated paths, rather than allowing dynamic path construction from user input. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding standards like those defined in the OWASP Top Ten are critical for preventing such remote code execution flaws. Furthermore, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other application components, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many legacy web applications.