CVE-2007-1643 in LAN Management System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in LAN Management System (LMS) 1.8.9 Vala and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in (1) the CONFIG[directories][userpanel_dir] parameter to userpanel.php or the (2) _LIB_DIR parameter to welcome.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The CVE-2007-1643 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the LAN Management System LMS version 1.8.9 Vala and earlier releases. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability specifically affects two distinct parameters within the application's codebase, both of which demonstrate poor input sanitization practices that allow attackers to inject malicious URLs into the application's execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors within the LMS application. The first vector involves the CONFIG[directories][userpanel_dir] parameter in userpanel.php, while the second involves the _LIB_DIR parameter in welcome.php. Both parameters fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through either parameter, the application processes this input without adequate validation, leading to the inclusion of remote files containing malicious PHP code. This creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to upload and execute malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core application functionality and can be exploited without authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. The widespread use of PHP-based applications in web environments means that systems running vulnerable versions of LMS are at significant risk of being compromised.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation in file inclusion operations, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack surface is broad as it affects multiple entry points within the application, and the exploitation requires minimal technical knowledge, making it attractive to both skilled and unskilled attackers. Organizations running vulnerable versions of LMS should immediately implement patches or apply mitigations such as input validation, parameter sanitization, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices, particularly in handling user input and file operations, which should be addressed through comprehensive security training and code review processes.