CVE-2007-0701 in Epistemon
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/common.inc.php in Epistemon 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the inc_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0701 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Epistemon 1.0 content management system that directly enables remote code execution. This vulnerability exists within the inc/common.inc.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the inc_path parameter. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are then included and executed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of file inclusion operations. This issue directly maps to attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through PHP scripts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input in the inc_path parameter, which is directly incorporated into a PHP include statement without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in this parameter, the PHP runtime processes the remote file as if it were a local script, executing any PHP code contained within the remote resource. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in the context of PHP applications where include functions are commonly exploited for such attacks. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to affected systems, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability affects all versions of Epistemon 1.0 that are deployed without proper input validation mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple systems may be running the vulnerable software. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Organizations using this software face immediate risks of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the sensitivity of the data handled by the affected applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0701 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing input validation controls to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. Security teams should disable the vulnerable functionality entirely by removing or restricting access to the affected include paths, and implement proper parameter validation that rejects any input containing URLs or special characters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential remote file inclusion vulnerabilities within their application codebase and implement secure coding practices that prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and the dangerous consequences of allowing user-controlled data to directly influence file inclusion operations in web applications.