CVE-2007-1233 in STWC-Counter
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in downloadcounter.php in STWC-Counter 3.4.0.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the stwc_counter_verzeichniss parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1233 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the STWC-Counter 3.4.0.0 web application, specifically affecting the downloadcounter.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the stwc_counter_verzeichniss parameter that controls directory paths for counter operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs and injecting them into the vulnerable parameter, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic file inclusion mechanisms. When the stwc_counter_verzeichniss parameter is processed, the application directly incorporates user-provided URLs into file path operations without adequate sanitization or validation checks. This behavior creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's execution flow to include and execute malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper control of code generation capabilities, and represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion attack pattern. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating potential for complete system compromise and data breach scenarios. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system modification, or even use of the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary PHP code execution, which can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and financial losses for affected organizations. The exploitation process typically follows ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code remotely.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 3.4.0.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for the affected parameter. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that reject any non-numeric or non-standard directory path characters, particularly avoiding the use of URLs in file inclusion operations. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely within PHP configurations and implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Security best practices recommend using allow_url_include = Off in php.ini configurations, as this setting prevents PHP from including files from remote URLs, thereby eliminating this entire class of vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation layers to detect and block malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation of such fundamental flaws.