CVE-2007-1626 in iFrame Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in iframe.php in the iFrame Module for PHP-NUKE allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1626 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the iFrame Module for PHP-NUKE, a widely used content management system. This security weakness resides in the iframe.php script which processes user-supplied input through the file parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-provided URLs, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted malicious inputs.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic remote code execution vector through file inclusion mechanisms. The iFrame Module's iframe.php script accepts a file parameter that is directly used in file inclusion operations without adequate security controls. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in the file parameter, the application processes this input and attempts to include the remote file, effectively executing any PHP code contained within it. This flaw aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where user-controllable input is used in file inclusion operations without proper validation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate fundamental security principles of input sanitization and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server running PHP-NUKE. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to upload malicious files, execute system commands, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects all versions of PHP-NUKE that utilize the vulnerable iFrame Module, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of this CMS platform. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and conduct further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage scope.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1626 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the vulnerable iFrame Module to implement proper input validation and sanitization, ensuring that all user-provided parameters undergo strict filtering before being processed. Organizations should disable the vulnerable module entirely if patching is not immediately possible, while implementing web application firewalls to block suspicious requests containing malicious URLs. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring PHP-NUKE installations to restrict file inclusion operations to local files only, preventing the use of remote URLs in file inclusion contexts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the ATT&CK framework's guidance on preventing remote code execution through input validation failures. Regular security audits and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and monitoring for exploitation attempts through intrusion detection systems.