CVE-2007-1620 in PHP DB Designer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in PHP DB Designer 1.02 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) _SESSION[SITE_PATH] parameter to (a) wind/help.php or (b) wind/about.php, or the (2) _SESSION[DRIVER] parameter to (c) db/session.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1620 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in PHP DB Designer version 1.02 and earlier systems. This security weakness stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's session handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's use of session variables to store path information and database driver configurations, which are subsequently used without adequate validation to construct file inclusion directives.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of session parameters that control application behavior and file loading operations. When attackers manipulate the _SESSION[SITE_PATH] parameter in the wind/help.php or wind/about.php scripts, or the _SESSION[DRIVER] parameter in db/session.php, they can inject malicious URLs that get processed by the application's include or require functions. This creates a classic remote file inclusion scenario where the application treats user-supplied input as a legitimate file path, leading to the execution of remote code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of the application's session management system, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malware, establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality and can lead to complete system compromise, making it a high-priority issue for organizations running affected versions of PHP DB Designer. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no prior authentication and can be exploited through simple web requests, making it accessible to even novice attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must upgrade to PHP DB Designer version 1.03 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization of session parameters can provide defense-in-depth protection. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote services. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion in php.ini, implementing proper session management practices, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious session parameter usage to detect potential exploitation attempts.