CVE-2007-0702 in phpEventMan
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpEventMan 1.0.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the level parameter to (1) Shared/controller/text.ctrl.php or (2) UserMan/controller/common.function.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0702 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting phpEventMan version 1.0.2, specifically targeting two distinct controller files within the application's architecture. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, particularly the level parameter that is processed through the Shared/controller/text.ctrl.php and UserMan/controller/common.function.php files. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the scope of file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically manifesting as improper input validation for file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain file paths or URLs in the level parameter, which are then processed without adequate sanitization. When the application attempts to include these files, it executes the malicious code contained within them, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities to the attacker. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that allows adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and confidentiality as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server hosting phpEventMan. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent access points. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality by compromising the authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain administrative control over the application's user management features. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers Server Software Component, specifically targeting the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass immediate patching of the affected phpEventMan version to a secure release that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms that restrict file inclusion to predefined, trusted locations can prevent unauthorized access to external resources. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and strict access controls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious requests containing malicious file inclusion patterns. Security hardening measures including disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration and implementing proper parameter validation should be enforced. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive input validation frameworks that align with industry best practices for preventing remote file inclusion attacks.