CVE-2007-0986 in Jupiter CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Jupiter CMS 1.1.5, when PHP 5.0.0 or later is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via an ftp URL in the n parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0986 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Jupiter CMS version 1.1.5 that exploits a fundamental security weakness in PHP's handling of remote resource inclusion. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests when the application accepts an ftp URL through the n parameter and attempts to include it as a PHP file, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages PHP's ability to include remote files, a feature that was designed for legitimate use cases but becomes dangerous when input validation is bypassed. The attack vector requires the target system to be running PHP version 5.0.0 or later, which was a common configuration at the time of the vulnerability's discovery, making it widespread across numerous web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of code through the inclusion of untrusted data. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies an ftp URL through the n parameter, the system processes this input and attempts to include the remote file as if it were a local PHP script. This creates an execution environment where malicious code can be downloaded and executed on the target server, effectively allowing attackers to gain control over the application's functionality. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and insecure file handling, where the application trust model is violated by accepting potentially malicious input and treating it as executable code.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0986 is severe and multifaceted, encompassing complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the hosting system. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of web content, installation of backdoors, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, where attackers might gain access to additional system resources or credentials stored on the compromised server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), demonstrating the attack chain from initial access through command execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0986 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The primary fix involves disabling the ability to include remote files in the application's configuration and implementing strict input validation for all parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable PHP's allow_url_include directive in the php.ini configuration file, which prevents the inclusion of remote files entirely. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation techniques, such as whitelisting acceptable values or using strict type checking, can prevent malicious input from being processed. The application should also employ secure coding practices that avoid direct user input in file inclusion operations, instead using a lookup table or configuration file to determine which files can be included. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access remote resources, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping CMS platforms updated and following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and defense in depth.