CVE-2007-0839 in WebMatic
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in index/index_album.php in Valarsoft WebMatic 2.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) P_LIB and (2) P_INDEX parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0839 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Valarsoft WebMatic 2.6 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the index/index_album.php script where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests through two distinct parameter vectors namely P_LIB and P_INDEX which accept URL values that are subsequently processed by PHP's include or require functions. This creates an avenue for remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code through crafted URLs that get executed within the web server context. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of argument injection. The attack vector allows adversaries to leverage the remote file inclusion mechanism to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious URLs containing PHP code within the P_LIB or P_INDEX parameters. When the vulnerable application processes these parameters, it treats the provided URLs as legitimate file paths and attempts to include them, executing any PHP code contained within the remote files. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically PHP. The vulnerability essentially enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious payloads directly on the web server. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0839 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Successful exploitation allows attackers to upload and execute malicious files, potentially establishing backdoors, stealing sensitive information, or using the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and underlying system, as attackers can manipulate the application's behavior and access restricted resources. Organizations running affected versions of Valarsoft WebMatic 2.6 face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability also impacts the availability of the application since attackers can potentially cause system instability or resource exhaustion through malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate patching and input validation implementation. The most effective solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of Valarsoft WebMatic. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web servers to restrict file inclusion operations to local paths only, preventing the use of remote URLs. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configurations through the allow_url_include directive, and conducting regular security audits. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.