CVE-2007-1924 in phpContact
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpContact allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter to (1) contact_business.php or (2) contact_person.php. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE and a reliable third party, because include_path is initialized to a fixed value before use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1924 pertains to multiple remote file inclusion flaws within the phpContact application, specifically affecting two distinct script files. This issue represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability manifests through the manipulation of the include_path parameter, which is processed in the contact_business.php and contact_person.php files respectively. These remote file inclusion vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of code injection attacks that have been consistently identified as high-risk threats in cybersecurity assessments.
The technical flaw exploits the improper handling of user-supplied input within the include_path parameter, creating an environment where attacker-controlled URLs can be incorporated into the application's execution flow. When the application processes these parameters without adequate validation or sanitization, it becomes possible for remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code that will be executed within the context of the web server. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses the inclusion of code from untrusted sources, and represents a variant of the more general CWE-88, concerning the injection of code through improper parameter handling. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and secure coding practices that have been documented extensively in security literature and industry standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors for persistent access. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the target system and can potentially leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where web applications are frequently targeted by automated scanning tools and manual penetration testers. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering the execution of malicious code through scripting languages.
Despite the disputed status of this CVE as noted in the description, the underlying security principles remain relevant to modern application security practices. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation, secure parameter handling, and proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications. Even though the specific technical details may be contested regarding the include_path initialization, the fundamental security implications remain valid. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including input validation, proper parameter sanitization, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. The disputed nature of the CVE does not diminish the importance of addressing potential remote file inclusion vulnerabilities through robust security controls and secure coding practices. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for continuous security monitoring and the importance of adhering to established security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to protect against similar threats.