CVE-2007-1147 in hbm
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in view.php in hbm allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the hbmpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1147 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the hbm content management system, specifically within the view.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, particularly the hbmpath parameter that controls the inclusion of files within the application's execution context. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs and injecting them into the hbmpath parameter, thereby enabling the remote execution of PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote code execution scenario that aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to insufficient validation of input data. The vulnerability occurs because the application directly incorporates user-provided data into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed as PHP code. This weakness directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code remotely. The hbm application's failure to validate or sanitize the hbmpath parameter allows attackers to inject URLs that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers, effectively bypassing local security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, adversaries can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the hbm platform for content management. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence, making the vulnerability highly attractive for automated attack campaigns. Organizations using vulnerable versions of hbm face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to address the input validation flaw in the view.php script. System administrators should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied input from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential injection points within their web applications and ensure that all file inclusion operations use whitelisting approaches rather than direct user input. Regular security updates, code reviews, and adherence to secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software releases. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.