CVE-2007-1073 in mcRefer
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in install.php in mcRefer allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the bgcolor parameter, which is inserted into mcrconf.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2017
The CVE-2007-1073 vulnerability represents a critical static code injection flaw discovered in the mcRefer web application's installation script. This vulnerability exists within the install.php file where user-supplied input from the bgcolor parameter is directly incorporated into the mcrconf.inc.php configuration file without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw constitutes a classic code injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The vulnerability arises from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject PHP code that gets executed during the installation process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically aligns with CWE-74 "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component." The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it targets the installation phase of the application, where the system is most vulnerable and where administrative privileges are typically required for configuration changes. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload in the bgcolor parameter that gets written to the mcrconf.inc.php file. During the installation process, this file is included and executed by the PHP interpreter, thereby executing the injected malicious code. The flaw demonstrates a critical lack of input sanitization and output encoding practices, where the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into executable code without proper context-aware escaping or validation. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the installation phase, where the application is typically running with elevated privileges and where configuration files are being created or modified. The attack scenario involves an attacker sending a specially crafted HTTP request containing malicious PHP code in the bgcolor parameter, which is then processed and stored in the configuration file. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a code injection technique, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through the manipulation of configuration files. This type of attack represents a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it allows attackers to execute commands, modify system behavior, and potentially establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1073 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of system files, or even complete system takeover. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it occurs during the installation process, which typically requires administrative privileges and may be performed by system administrators or automated deployment tools. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to gain elevated privileges and establish persistent backdoors or malware installations. The vulnerability also poses risks to the integrity of the application's configuration and overall system security posture, as malicious code injection can alter fundamental system parameters and behavior. Organizations using affected versions of mcRefer face potential exposure to data leakage, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in unauthorized access to databases, file systems, and other network resources that the web application has access to, making it a critical security concern for any environment where mcRefer is deployed. Additionally, the vulnerability may be exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors to escalate privileges or move laterally within a network infrastructure, making it a significant threat to overall network security and enterprise information protection.