CVE-2007-1486 in Lazarus Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in template.class.php in Carbonize Lazarus Guestbook before 1.7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter to admin.php, probably due to a dynamic variable evaluation vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1486 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Carbonize Lazarus Guestbook application version 1.7.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the template.class.php file and specifically affects the admin.php script which processes the include_path parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the include_path parameter with a malicious URL, effectively allowing attackers to inject and execute code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and dynamic code evaluation issues that have been classified as CWE-95 and CWE-470 within the CWE database. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote code execution vector that has been documented in numerous security assessments and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and parameter handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the include_path parameter. When the admin.php script processes the include_path parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in a dynamic include operation. This creates an environment where an attacker can inject a malicious URL that gets evaluated and executed by the PHP interpreter. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to include remote files from external servers, potentially leading to full system compromise. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it highly attractive to attackers. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code, and T1059 which covers the execution of commands through interpreted languages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify or delete data, and establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects not only the guestbook application itself but can potentially provide attackers with access to the underlying server infrastructure, especially if the web application shares resources with other services. Organizations running affected versions of Carbonize Lazarus Guestbook face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1486 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Carbonize Lazarus Guestbook version 1.7.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly parameters used in dynamic include operations. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion capabilities within PHP applications and implement proper parameter validation using allowlists rather than denylists. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues within their application portfolios, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy applications. The remediation process should also include monitoring for signs of exploitation and implementing proper logging to track access to vulnerable parameters, which aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks.