CVE-2007-1219 in Admin Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in actions/del.php in Admin Phorum 3.3.1a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1219 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Admin Phorum 3.3.1a web application, specifically affecting the actions/del.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, with the flaw residing in how the application processes user-supplied input through the include_path parameter. The issue enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the include_path variable with a malicious URL, thereby bypassing normal access controls and executing unauthorized commands on the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes the improper handling of special elements in input that could lead to code injection, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, 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 request containing a URL within the include_path parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable script without proper input validation or sanitization. The actions/del.php script in Admin Phorum 3.3.1a fails to properly validate or escape user-provided input, creating an environment where remote attackers can inject and execute arbitrary PHP code. This flaw typically manifests when the application uses functions like include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() with user-controllable variables, allowing attackers to specify external URLs that get executed as PHP code. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution issue under the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, with a CVSS score reflecting high severity due to the ease of exploitation and potential for complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or perform data exfiltration from the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1219 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to fully compromise the web server hosting the vulnerable Admin Phorum application. Once exploited, attackers can gain access to sensitive data stored within the application, manipulate user accounts, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also the underlying server environment, potentially exposing database credentials, user information, and other sensitive resources. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Admin Phorum face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it accessible to anyone with network access to the target system. This represents a critical security gap that violates fundamental security principles and could lead to cascading effects throughout enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1219 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The primary recommendation involves applying the official security patch released by the Admin Phorum development team, which typically includes input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and avoid using user-controllable variables in include statements, instead utilizing whitelisting approaches or hardcoded safe paths. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to administrative interfaces, while web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, with input validation being a critical focus area. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web server accounts, disabling dangerous PHP functions like allow_url_include, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems represents a comprehensive approach to preventing exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as fundamental security controls that should be integrated into all web application development processes.