CVE-2007-2009 in SimpCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in SimpCMS Light 04.10.2007 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the site parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2009 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in SimpCMS Light version 04.10.2007 and earlier systems. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the site parameter. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by supplying a malicious URL through this parameter, effectively bypassing the intended application security boundaries. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation practices that permit external URLs to be directly included and executed within the web application context.
This security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors including remote code execution and arbitrary code injection. The flaw enables attackers to leverage the application's file inclusion mechanism to load and execute malicious code from remote servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, modify application behavior, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted web application but also potentially the underlying server infrastructure, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to server resources and databases. Organizations running affected versions of SimpCMS Light face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through patching the affected application to version 04.10.2008 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations, including disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting access to vulnerable applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat landscape. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper input validation practices are implemented across all web applications to prevent similar incidents.