CVE-2007-1983 in Cyboards PHP Lite
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/default_header.php in Cyboards PHP Lite 1.21 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the script_path parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-2871.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1983 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Cyboards PHP Lite 1.21 web application. This vulnerability specifically affects the include/default_header.php file which processes user-supplied input through the script_path parameter. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape external URL references before incorporating them into the application's execution flow. This creates an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, effectively bypassing normal application security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vector through file inclusion mechanisms. The attack occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the script_path parameter, which gets processed by the vulnerable include/default_header.php script. This allows the attacker to reference external PHP files that contain malicious code, which then executes within the context of the web server. The vulnerability operates through a different exploitation vector than CVE-2006-2871, indicating that while both relate to file inclusion flaws, they target distinct code paths within the application's architecture. The flaw essentially transforms the legitimate file inclusion functionality into a weaponized feature that can be abused for remote code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and confidentiality. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This creates a high-impact scenario where attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the web application and underlying system resources, potentially causing service disruption and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing external URL references or suspicious characters. The application should be configured to only accept predefined, trusted values for the script_path parameter, and any external references should be properly escaped or blocked entirely. Additionally, the web server configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion features, and the application should be updated to use absolute paths instead of relative or external URLs. Security measures should include implementing proper access controls, monitoring for suspicious parameter values, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application has minimal required permissions and that all external references are properly validated and sanitized before processing.