CVE-2007-1513 in Company Website Builder Pro
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in comanda.php in GraFX Company WebSite Builder (CWB) PRO 1.9.8, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the INCLUDE_PATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1513 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the GraFX Company WebSite Builder PRO 1.9.8 software. This vulnerability specifically affects the comanda.php script and exploits a fundamental misconfiguration in PHP's global variable handling mechanism. The flaw occurs when the register_globals PHP directive is enabled, which allows attackers to manipulate global variables through GET, POST, or COOKIE parameters, creating a dangerous attack surface for code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of the INCLUDE_PATH parameter within the comanda.php script. When register_globals is enabled, user-controllable input can directly influence PHP's global variable namespace, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs into the INCLUDE_PATH variable. This injection occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize or validate external input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability stems from a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization, which are fundamental security practices that should prevent arbitrary code execution through file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected systems. Attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This allows for unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of web content, installation of backdoors, and establishment of persistent access points. The vulnerability affects systems where register_globals is enabled, which was common in older PHP configurations but represents a significant security misconfiguration that should never be present in production environments. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browser interactions without specialized tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of security controls that address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention. The primary recommendation is to disable the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which eliminates the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation and use of secure coding practices that prevent external input from influencing critical system operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-95 and CWE-434 categories, representing weaknesses in input validation and improper file handling that are commonly exploited in web application attacks. The mitigation approach should also incorporate principles from the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and command and control categories, ensuring comprehensive protection against both initial compromise and post-exploitation activities.