CVE-2007-1424 in DataLife Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Softnews Media Group DataLife Engine allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_dir parameter to (1) init.php and (2) Ajax/editnews.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1424 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the DataLife Engine content management system developed by Softnews Media Group. This vulnerability exists in the core application logic where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The flaw specifically affects two key application endpoints: init.php and Ajax/editnews.php, both of which accept a root_dir parameter that can be manipulated by remote attackers to include arbitrary files from external sources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and control operations. The flaw occurs when the application directly incorporates user-controllable input into file path construction without adequate validation, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject URLs pointing to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of remote code execution through file inclusion attacks, which are classified under ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" when the included code executes within a PHP context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, remote attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This includes the ability to read sensitive files, modify database contents, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects versions of DataLife Engine that were prevalent in 2007, making it particularly dangerous as many organizations may have been running outdated systems without proper security updates.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest security updates from Softnews Media Group. Organizations should implement input validation measures at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and proper parameter sanitization. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper file access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access external resources through the vulnerable parameters. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and dependencies, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in input handling and validation mechanisms.