CVE-2007-1514 in ViperWeb
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in ViperWeb Portal alpha 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the modpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1514 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the ViperWeb Portal alpha 0.1 web application. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and specifically targets the modpath parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious code. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper parameter handling can lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively granting them full control over the web application and potentially the underlying system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the modpath parameter to the vulnerable index.php script. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in a file inclusion context, typically through functions like include or require. When the application processes this malicious input, it attempts to include and execute the remote file specified in the modpath parameter, thereby executing the attacker's code on the target server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input validation and the dangerous practice of directly incorporating user-supplied parameters into server-side execution contexts without adequate security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete access to the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data stored within the application, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the ViperWeb Portal but any system using similar patterns of remote file inclusion without proper validation. From a security perspective, this represents a critical risk that could lead to data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of control over the affected web application. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its ease of exploitation, as attackers do not require special privileges or complex attack chains to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization practices. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing suspicious characters or patterns commonly associated with remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should employ a whitelist approach for parameter values, ensuring that only predefined, safe paths or modules are accepted. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely within the application configuration, such as setting allow_url_include to off in php.ini, provides an additional layer of protection. Security measures should also include regular code reviews to identify similar patterns throughout the application codebase, implementing proper error handling to avoid information disclosure, and maintaining up-to-date security patches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and emphasizes the critical need for input validation in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities.