CVE-2007-1571 in Activist Mobilization Platform
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/base.php in Radical Designs Activist Mobilization Platform (AMP) 3.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the base_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1571 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Radical Designs Activist Mobilization Platform version 3.2. This security weakness specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable servers. The vulnerability resides in the includes/base.php file, which processes user-supplied input through the base_path parameter without adequate sanitization or validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user input within the application's codebase. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, including GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. This configuration creates a dangerous environment where attacker-controlled data can be directly incorporated into the application's execution flow. The base_path parameter in the includes/base.php file serves as the attack vector, as it accepts external URLs that are then processed without proper validation, allowing remote code execution through maliciously crafted URLs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data breaches, server compromise, and full system takeover. The vulnerability affects organizations using the AMP platform who have not properly configured their PHP environments, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where such configurations may be overlooked during security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which eliminates the underlying condition that enables the attack. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application code should be updated to use absolute paths instead of relative paths that can be manipulated through URL parameters, and all file inclusion operations should utilize allow_url_include directives set to off.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and relates to the broader category of remote code execution vulnerabilities. From an attack perspective, the flaw maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access. Organizations should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and ensure that all web applications undergo regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in input handling and parameter validation.
The remediation process requires immediate attention from system administrators and developers to reconfigure PHP settings and update application code to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments. Regular security training for development teams regarding secure coding practices and input validation techniques is essential to prevent recurrence of such critical flaws in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to provide additional defense layers against similar exploitation attempts.