CVE-2007-0704 in Somery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in install.php in Somery 0.4.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the skindir parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-4669. NOTE: the documentation says to remove install.php after installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0704 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Somery 0.4.6 content management system that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the install.php file and occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the skindir parameter, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to inject and execute remote PHP code. The flaw operates through a direct manipulation of the installation script's parameter handling mechanism, enabling attackers to specify a URL that points to malicious code hosted on external servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation within the Somery application's installation process. When the skindir parameter is processed without proper restrictions or encoding checks, the application treats user-supplied URLs as legitimate paths for code inclusion. This creates a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that falls under the CWE-88 category for Improper Neutralization of Argument Sequences before Command Execution, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses Execution of Code from Untrusted Source. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the parameter to reference external malicious resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's vector differs from CVE-2006-4669, indicating that this represents a distinct attack pathway within the same software ecosystem. This particular flaw affects systems where the Somery application is deployed and where the install.php file remains accessible post-installation, creating a window of opportunity for attackers who discover the vulnerable parameter.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention strategies. The most effective immediate solution involves removing the install.php file from the application directory after successful installation, as explicitly recommended in the software documentation. This approach directly addresses the attack surface by eliminating the vulnerable entry point entirely. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures within the application code to prevent URL parameter manipulation, enforcing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to installation scripts, and maintaining up-to-date security configurations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and block suspicious parameter values. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access controls and the removal of unnecessary administrative files from production environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1548.003 for Abuse of Functionality and T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol.