CVE-2007-1809 in Company WebSite Builder
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in GraFX Company WebSite Builder (CWB) PRO 1.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the INCLUDE_PATH parameter to (1) cls_headline_prod.php, (2) cls_listorders.php, or (3) cls_viewpastorders.php in include/, different vectors than CVE-2007-1513.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1809 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the GraFX Company WebSite Builder PRO 1.5 software ecosystem. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the INCLUDE_PATH parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability specifically affects three distinct include files within the application's include directory, namely cls_headline_prod.php, cls_listorders.php, and cls_viewpastorders.php, each presenting unique attack vectors that collectively expand the exploitation surface of the affected system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-provided URLs before incorporating them into the application's include path processing logic, directly violating fundamental security principles of input validation and secure coding practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the INCLUDE_PATH parameter of the vulnerable scripts. The application then processes this user-controlled input without proper validation, leading to the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled servers. This process enables the execution of arbitrary PHP code within the context of the web server, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system. The vulnerability manifests as a classic remote code execution (RCE) condition that can be leveraged to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or compromise the entire web server infrastructure. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, specifically targeting vulnerabilities in web applications that allow remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1809 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any system running the vulnerable GraFX Company WebSite Builder PRO 1.5 software. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable application resides. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, establish command and control channels, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for attacking other systems within the organization's network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple include files indicates a systemic design flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms, suggesting that similar weaknesses may exist throughout the codebase. Organizations running this software face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the severity of the vulnerability and the ease of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1809 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor's official security patch or upgrading to a patched version of the GraFX Company WebSite Builder PRO software, as this directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code is essential, including the use of allowlists for valid include paths and strict validation of all user-supplied input. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege configurations, ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined, trusted directories only. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, emphasizing that all user-supplied data should be treated as untrusted and validated before processing, aligning with industry best practices defined in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.