CVE-2007-1996 in codebreak
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in codebreak.php in CodeBreak, probably 1.1.2 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the process_method parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1996 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the CodeBreak application, specifically affecting versions 1.1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the codebreak.php script where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the process_method parameter, thereby enabling remote code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper sanitization and validation of user-supplied input, creating an exploitable pathway for attackers to execute malicious code on the target system.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code. The attack vector leverages the PHP include functionality, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the process_method parameter before using it in an include statement. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in this parameter, the web application processes it as a valid include path, effectively allowing the execution of remote PHP code on the server. This represents a fundamental failure in input validation and secure coding practices, as the application trusts user-provided data without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install malware, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command injection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of CodeBreak, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. The principle of least privilege should be applied by configuring web servers to disable remote file inclusion capabilities where possible. Input sanitization techniques including whitelisting acceptable values, proper escaping of special characters, and implementing secure coding practices should be enforced throughout the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper security configurations are maintained across all systems.