CVE-2007-1837 in MangoBery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in MangoBery CMS 0.5.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the Site_Path parameter to (1) boxes/quotes.php or (2) templates/mangobery/footer.sample.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The CVE-2007-1837 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in MangoBery CMS version 0.5.5 that exposes the application to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects two key files within the CMS architecture, namely boxes/quotes.php and templates/mangobery/footer.sample.php, where the Site_Path parameter is improperly validated and sanitized. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized PHP code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the Site_Path parameter to reference external URLs containing malicious PHP payloads. When the vulnerable application processes these parameters, it performs a file inclusion operation that executes the attacker-controlled code within the context of the web server, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets publicly accessible web applications through well-known input vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Once exploited, malicious actors can upload additional malware, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access or credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The specific targeting of CMS components like quotes boxes and footer templates demonstrates how seemingly innocuous features can become attack vectors when proper input validation is absent.
Organizations can mitigate this vulnerability through multiple defensive strategies that align with industry best practices and security frameworks. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. This includes employing allowlist validation techniques where only pre-approved values are accepted, rather than attempting to filter out malicious content. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities within PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls for CMS components can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Security hardening measures such as restricting file permissions, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the application's codebase. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire server infrastructures.