CVE-2007-1017 in VS-News-System
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in show_news_inc.php in VirtualSystem VS-News-System 1.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the newsordner parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1017 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the VirtualSystem VS-News-System version 1.2.1 and earlier, classified under CWE-88 due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. This vulnerability exists within the show_news_inc.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the newsordner parameter. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code on the target server, effectively enabling remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms before incorporating user-supplied data into file inclusion operations. When the newsordner parameter is processed, the system directly uses the input value to construct a file path without adequate sanitization or validation checks. This creates an environment where an attacker can supply a malicious URL containing PHP code, which gets executed by the web server when the vulnerable script processes the request. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of CWE-94, which addresses execution of arbitrary code, and CWE-20, concerning input validation issues.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to affected systems as it enables complete compromise of the web application and underlying server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or deployment of additional malware. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for executing commands through web shells.
The impact extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications including potential privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Organizations running affected versions of the VS-News-System are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in core application functionality that processes user input. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader assessment of web application security posture, particularly focusing on input validation, file inclusion practices, and the implementation of secure coding standards.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the affected software to version 1.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization techniques, including whitelisting acceptable values for the newsordner parameter and implementing strict validation rules. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by blocking suspicious URL patterns in the newsordner parameter. The implementation of secure coding practices, including parameterized queries and proper input validation, should be enforced throughout the application development lifecycle to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. System administrators should also monitor for signs of exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of file inclusion operations to detect potential abuse of this vulnerability.