CVE-2007-1628 in Studiewijzer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Study planner (Studiewijzer) 0.15 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SPL_CFG[dirroot] parameter to (1) service.alert.inc.php or (2) settings.ses.php in inc/; (3) db/mysql/db.inc.php; (4) integration/shortstat/configuration.php; (5) ali.class.php or (6) cat.class.php in methodology/traditional/class/; (7) cat_browse.inc.php, (8) chr_browse.inc.php, (9) chr_display.inc.php, or (10) dash_browse.inc.php in methodology/traditional/ui/inc/; (11) spl.webservice.php or (12) konfabulator/gateway_admin.php in ws/; or other unspecified files.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Study planner (Studiewijzer) web application version 0.15 and earlier, which operates under the assumption that register_globals is enabled on the target server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically targeting the SPL_CFG[dirroot] parameter that controls directory paths within the application's configuration system. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request data, creating a dangerous environment where attacker-controlled input can directly influence the application's behavior and execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the directory root parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. Attackers can manipulate the SPL_CFG[dirroot] parameter to point to malicious remote URLs, which then get included and executed by the PHP interpreter. This creates a chain of trust violations where legitimate application code attempts to include and execute arbitrary code from remote sources, effectively bypassing all local security controls. The vulnerability affects multiple files across different application modules, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than isolated incidents, with the attack surface spanning from core database configuration files to user interface components and web service endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, providing attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise the entire hosting environment. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple file inclusion points suggests that attackers can choose the most suitable attack vector based on available resources and target configuration, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be leveraged for persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary defense involves disabling register_globals in PHP configuration, which eliminates one of the fundamental prerequisites for exploitation. Additionally, input validation and sanitization must be implemented across all user-supplied parameters, with strict type checking and path validation to prevent inclusion of external resources. The application should implement a whitelist-based approach for file inclusion operations, rejecting any external URLs or paths that do not match predetermined safe patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, input filtering mechanisms, and regular security audits to detect similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for command and control operations.