CVE-2007-2021 in Lore
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Pineapple Technologies Lore 1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) lang_path parameter to third_party/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php or the (2) get_plugin_file_path parameter to third_party/smarty/libs/plugins/function.html_checkboxes.php. NOTE: the affected files might be from other software packages, so this might not be a vulnerability in Lore itself. NOTE: (1) might be the same issue as CVE-2006-5734.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2021 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Pineapple Technologies Lore 1 software. This issue stems from improper input validation in two distinct PHP files that handle user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs into the application's request parameters, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. The affected components include third_party/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php and third_party/smarty/libs/plugins/function.html_checkboxes.php, both of which process external input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. These files serve as entry points for attackers to leverage the vulnerability by manipulating the lang_path and get_plugin_file_path parameters respectively.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are directly passed to PHP's include or require functions. When the application processes these parameters without proper validation, it becomes susceptible to attackers who can inject URLs pointing to malicious remote resources. This allows the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, effectively compromising the entire system. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks, and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture. The attack vector specifically targets the application's failure to sanitize user-provided input before using it in dynamic file inclusion operations, creating a direct pathway for code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents severe consequences for affected systems, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the web server hosting the vulnerable application. Successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database or file system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access to the system. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors without physical presence or network access to the target environment. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within network infrastructure and persistent access through backdoor installation.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application code. Organizations should immediately update their affected software versions to patched releases that address these remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Implementing proper parameter validation and using allowlists for acceptable input values can prevent malicious URL injection attempts. Additionally, restricting PHP's ability to include remote files through configuration settings such as disabling remote file inclusion in php.ini can provide additional defense layers. Network-based mitigations including firewall rules that block suspicious traffic patterns and web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter injection attempts should also be deployed. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation, so regular security scanning and monitoring for exploitation attempts should be implemented as part of comprehensive security operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting its potential for both initial compromise and post-exploitation activities within compromised environments.