CVE-2007-1165 in DBGuestbook
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in DBGuestbook 1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dbs_base_path parameter to (1) utils.php, (2) guestbook.php, or (3) views.php in includes/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1165 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting DBGuestbook version 1.1, specifically targeting the PHP application's handling of user-supplied input through the dbs_base_path parameter. This vulnerability resides within the application's includes directory and affects three distinct files: utils.php, guestbook.php, and views.php, each serving different functional purposes within the guestbook system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which specifically addresses "Include of Code from Untrusted Source" and is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application."
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the dbs_base_path parameter to point to a malicious remote URL containing PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this input, it directly includes the remote file without proper validation, effectively executing the malicious code within the context of the web server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected web server. Once exploited, adversaries can use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks against internal networks, data exfiltration, or to host additional malicious services. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also poses risks to the broader server infrastructure, as PHP execution can provide attackers with access to server files, databases, and potentially other applications running on the same host. Organizations using DBGuestbook 1.1 are particularly vulnerable since this represents a known flaw that has existed for years without proper patching or mitigation, leaving systems exposed to automated scanning and exploitation by threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1165 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing remote URL references or suspicious characters that could indicate malicious intent. Organizations should also consider disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely within their PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to application files. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications that process user-supplied data for file operations, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks that emphasize the prevention of injection vulnerabilities.