CVE-2007-1148 in LoveCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in install/index.php in LoveCMS 1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the step parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1148 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within LoveCMS version 1.4, specifically affecting the install/index.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the step parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject external URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the step parameter in the install/index.php file, where the application directly incorporates user-provided URLs without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the step parameter, the vulnerable application treats this input as a legitimate file path and includes it in the execution context. This process aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of resource identifiers, and CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to perform a remote code execution attack by leveraging the application's trust in user input during the installation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying system resources and data. Successful exploitation could enable adversaries to upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the affected environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web application environments where the installation process might be accessible to unauthenticated users, as it provides an entry point for attackers to compromise the entire application infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, and T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1148 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves removing or disabling the use of user-supplied input for file inclusion operations, implementing strict parameter validation, and ensuring that all external URLs are properly validated against a whitelist of trusted resources. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URL patterns. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that removes the vulnerability entirely, as the original LoveCMS 1.4 version is no longer supported and lacks security updates. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should also include network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable installation interfaces to untrusted users, thereby reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to the vulnerable installation scripts.