CVE-2007-1472 in groupit
Summary
by MITRE
Variable overwrite vulnerability in groupit/base/groupit.start.inc in Groupit 2.00b5 allows remote attackers to conduct remote file inclusion attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via arguments that are written to $_GLOBALS, as demonstrated using a URL in the c_basepath parameter to (1) content.php, (2) userprofile.php, (3) password.php, (4) dispatch.php, and (5) deliver.php in html/, and possibly (6) load.inc.php and related files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1472 represents a critical variable overwrite flaw within the Groupit 2.00b5 content management system that exposes the application to remote file inclusion attacks and arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides in the groupit/base/groupit.start.inc file where user-supplied parameters are improperly handled, allowing attackers to manipulate global variables through the $_GLOBALS superglobal array. The flaw specifically manifests when the c_basepath parameter is passed through URLs to multiple entry points within the application's html/ directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-193, which describes "Fortify-It" issues related to variable overwrite problems in code. When attackers craft malicious URLs with the c_basepath parameter pointing to remote locations, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before incorporating them into the global variable scope. This allows the attacker to overwrite critical variables that are subsequently used in the application's execution flow, creating an opportunity for remote code execution through PHP file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple PHP files including content.php, userprofile.php, password.php, dispatch.php, deliver.php, and potentially load.inc.php, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles global variable initialization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability's reach extends beyond individual files to encompass the entire Groupit application ecosystem, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this CMS. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1472 should focus on immediate patching of the Groupit application to version 2.00b6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for variable overwrite handling. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious parameters from reaching the vulnerable code paths. The use of PHP's magic_quotes_gpc setting or similar protection mechanisms can help prevent certain types of injection attacks, though these should not be relied upon as the sole defense. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and strict access controls should be implemented to monitor and block suspicious traffic patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, following ATT&CK framework techniques for command and control operations that may be employed through such exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper variable scoping and input validation practices in preventing remote code execution through global variable manipulation, a pattern that continues to appear in various CMS and web application frameworks.