CVE-2007-0983 in AT Contenator
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in _admin/nav.php in AT Contenator 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the Root_To_Script parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0983 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the AT Contenator content management system version 1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the _admin/nav.php component where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. The specific parameter affected is Root_To_Script which is manipulated to determine the path for including additional PHP files. When an attacker can control this parameter, they can inject malicious URLs that will be executed by the web server, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers inadequate control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a direct attack vector through a web application interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that gets passed to the Root_To_Script parameter in the application's navigation administration component. When the application processes this input without proper validation, it includes the attacker-controlled URL as a PHP file, effectively executing any PHP code contained within that remote resource. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can upload and execute backdoors, steal sensitive data, or compromise the entire web server. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper sanitization and whitelisting mechanisms for all user-supplied parameters that influence file operations. The flaw exists because the application relies on user input for critical system paths without adequate security controls to prevent malicious manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, adversaries can establish persistent access through backdoor scripts, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as attackers can modify content, steal database credentials, or even use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. Organizations running AT Contenator 1.0 or earlier versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers can leverage it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability also represents a common pattern in legacy web applications where security considerations were not adequately implemented during the development lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0983 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of AT Contenator or migrating to a more secure content management system. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives should be disabled in php.ini configurations to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, implementing a whitelist-based approach for acceptable file paths and using secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security audits should complement these technical controls. From an ATT&CK perspective, defensive measures should focus on preventing initial compromise through proper application hardening and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns in web server logs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in legacy systems.