CVE-2007-1446 in OES
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Open Education System (OES) 0.1beta allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the CONF_INCLUDE_PATH parameter to (1) lib-account.inc.php, (2) lib-file.inc.php, (3) lib-group.inc.php, (4) lib-log.inc.php, (5) lib-mydb.inc.php, (6) lib-template-mod.inc.php, and (7) lib-themes.inc.php in includes/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1446 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Open Education System version 0.1beta software. This vulnerability exists in the form of multiple attack vectors that allow remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw specifically affects several core include files within the includes/ directory of the OES application, making it particularly dangerous as it targets fundamental system components that handle account management, file operations, group handling, logging, database connections, template modifications, and theme management.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied input parameters. The CONF_INCLUDE_PATH parameter serves as the attack vector where malicious actors can inject URLs that point to remote malicious files. When the affected PHP scripts process this parameter without adequate input validation, the system blindly includes and executes the remote code, effectively granting attackers complete control over the vulnerable server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category known as "Argument Injection" and specifically relates to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" where the application does not properly control the generation of code that is executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization utilizing the affected Open Education System. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects multiple core system components, meaning that a single successful exploitation can provide access to user accounts, file systems, database information, and overall system configuration. This creates a significant risk for educational institutions that rely on such platforms, as the compromise of one system can lead to widespread data exposure and unauthorized access to sensitive academic information.
The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple include files within the includes/ directory structure, making it difficult to patch all affected components individually. The specific files mentioned include lib-account.inc.php, lib-file.inc.php, lib-group.inc.php, lib-log.inc.php, lib-mydb.inc.php, lib-template-mod.inc.php, and lib-themes.inc.php, which represent critical system functionality areas. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability maps to "Exploit Public-Facing Application" techniques, as it allows adversaries to exploit web applications directly. The remediation approach should focus on implementing proper input validation, using whitelisting mechanisms, and ensuring that all include paths are strictly controlled. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regularly updating their security configurations to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data. The presence of such flaws in educational software platforms highlights the need for comprehensive security testing and regular vulnerability assessments to protect sensitive academic and personal data from unauthorized access and manipulation.