CVE-2007-1018 in VS-News-System
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in tpl/header.php in VirtualSystem VS-News-System 1.2.1 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the newsordner parameter. 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 • 08/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1018 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the VirtualSystem VS-News-System version 1.2.1 and earlier, specifically affecting the tpl/header.php component. This vulnerability operates under the premise that the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, which creates a dangerous environment where variables from external sources can be automatically injected into the global namespace. The flaw manifests through the newsordner parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that point to remote malicious files. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, making it possible for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. The vulnerability occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input from the newsordner parameter into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when passed to the newsordner parameter, cause the PHP interpreter to include and execute remote files. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to execute arbitrary code. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the affected system. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to upload additional malicious components, create backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. The attack vector specifically targets web applications that have insecure PHP configurations, particularly those with register_globals enabled, which was common in older PHP installations. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how insecure input handling can lead to complete system compromise and aligns with the broader category of injection vulnerabilities that affect web applications globally.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying configuration issues. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the automatic variable injection that enables this attack. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ whitelisting approaches for parameter values or use secure file inclusion methods that prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to detect and block malicious requests. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper PHP configuration management, as outlined in various security frameworks and standards that emphasize the need for input validation and secure parameter handling in web applications.