CVE-2007-1907 in Content Management System
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in warn.php in Pathos Content Management System (CMS) 0.92-2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the file parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1907 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Pathos Content Management System version 0.92-2. This vulnerability exists in the warn.php script and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference issue that enables attackers to manipulate file inclusion parameters. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without authentication and can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the file parameter within the warn.php script, which accepts URL values that are then processed through include or require statements. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the file parameter, the system attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to run arbitrary code on the server with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to execute code, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces including web shells.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access through web shells, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but also the underlying server infrastructure, potentially exposing databases, configuration files, and other sensitive resources. Organizations running Pathos CMS 0.92-2 are at significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1907 should focus on immediate patching of the Pathos CMS to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed in file inclusion operations. Additional protective measures include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses the exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure rapid incident response capabilities are in place to minimize the impact of successful attacks.