CVE-2007-0820 in PortailPHP
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Cedric CLAIRE PortailPhp 2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the chemin parameter to (1) mod_news/index.php, (2) mod_news/goodies.php, or (3) mod_search/index.php. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0820 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Cedric CLAIRE PortailPhp 2 content management system. This vulnerability exists in multiple modules of the application and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the chemin parameter in specific script files. The affected components include mod_news/index.php, mod_news/goodies.php, and mod_search/index.php, making this a widespread issue across the application's functionality. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code on the target server.
This security flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates under the principles of remote code execution through insecure file inclusion mechanisms, where attacker-controlled input is used to determine which files should be included and executed on the server. The attack vector relies on the application's use of user-supplied parameters to construct file paths without proper input validation, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that will be included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to gain complete control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further network infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on the PortailPhp 2 platform for their web presence. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute malicious payloads, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials to exploit the vulnerability. This makes the attack surface particularly large and the potential for widespread impact significant. The vulnerability also violates fundamental web application security principles, specifically those related to input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations using this platform face the risk of complete system compromise, data theft, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and code review processes. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of PortailPhp 2 that properly validates and sanitizes the chemin parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement proper input validation techniques, including whitelisting acceptable values, implementing strict parameter validation, and using secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion with untrusted input. Additionally, network-level defenses such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following the principle of least privilege in web application deployment, ensuring that web servers have minimal necessary permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined safe directories. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on privilege escalation and persistence techniques that such vulnerabilities enable.