CVE-2007-1778 in Eve-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in db/mysql.php in the Eve-Nuke 0.1 (EN-Forums) module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1778 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Eve-Nuke 0.1 (EN-Forums) module within the PHP-Nuke platform. This security weakness resides in the db/mysql.php file and demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the phpbb_root_path parameter, which is improperly validated and sanitized during the application's processing of user-supplied input. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious URLs that reference remote resources, effectively bypassing local file access controls and gaining unauthorized execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the PHP-Nuke framework's forum module. When the application processes the phpbb_root_path parameter, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows attackers to inject URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, which are then executed within the context of the web application. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and represents a subset of the broader CWE-22 category dealing with path traversal attacks. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data theft, system reconnaissance, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to leverage this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable versions of PHP-Nuke with the Eve-Nuke forums module, potentially exposing thousands of websites to attack. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of code through PHP web shell injection, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1778 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application code. Organizations should disable the vulnerable module or upgrade to patched versions of PHP-Nuke that address this specific vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that prevents URL schemes from being accepted in the phpbb_root_path parameter, ensuring that only local file paths are processed. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data in file inclusion operations. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date vulnerability databases and implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of known security flaws. The presence of this vulnerability in legacy systems demonstrates the critical need for ongoing security maintenance and the potential risks associated with running unsupported software versions.