CVE-2007-1106 in NoMoKeTos Rules
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions_nomoketos_rules.php in the NoMoKeTos Rules 0.0.1 module for phpBB allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1106 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the NoMoKeTos Rules 0.0.1 module for phpBB, a widely used open-source bulletin board system. This vulnerability resides in the includes/functions_nomoketos_rules.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous security assessments and vulnerability databases. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems, making it a significant concern for web application security. The vulnerability specifically affects the phpBB platform and its associated modules, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially gain complete control over affected servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the phpbb_root_path parameter handling. When the vulnerable module processes user-supplied input through this parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the URL content before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows attackers to supply a malicious URL that gets directly incorporated into the file inclusion mechanism, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The vulnerability manifests as a path traversal and code execution issue that aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and is commonly associated with remote code execution vulnerabilities. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates how insecure coding practices can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1106 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and persistent backdoor installation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain full administrative control over the affected phpBB installation, allowing them to modify forum content, steal user credentials, access sensitive data, and use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for public-facing web applications. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when considering the broader attack surface, though the specific execution mechanism relies on PHP code injection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to address the root cause through proper input validation and secure coding practices. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of the NoMoKeTos Rules module or applying vendor-specific patches that address the insecure parameter handling. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly when dealing with file paths and URL parameters. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that phpBB installations run with minimal required permissions and that proper access controls are implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Security professionals should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and regularly conduct vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack.