CVE-2007-2077 in search
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in search.php in Maian Search 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path_to_folder parameter. NOTE: this issue was disputed by a third party researcher, but confirmed by the vendor, stating "this issue was fixed last year and [no] is longer a problem."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2077 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Maian Search 1.1 web application, specifically affecting the search.php script. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution risks that have plagued web applications for over a decade. The vulnerability arises from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input, particularly in the path_to_folder parameter which is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that point to external resources, enabling them to execute malicious PHP code on the target server.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where the application accepts a parameter that should contain a local file path but instead accepts a remote URL. When the application processes this parameter in a file inclusion context such as include() or require(), it effectively downloads and executes code from the attacker-controlled remote server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which addresses execution of arbitrary code. The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious URL that points to a PHP script hosted on the attacker's server, which when included by the vulnerable application, executes arbitrary commands on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, upload additional malicious files, establish backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate application but can compromise the entire hosting environment, especially when the web application runs with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The vendor's acknowledgment and subsequent fix of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices. The resolution typically involves implementing proper parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable values, and ensuring that file inclusion operations only reference trusted local paths. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including web application firewalls, input validation at multiple points, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The disputed nature of the vulnerability by third-party researchers highlights the complexity of vulnerability assessment and the importance of vendor verification. This case study serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and the dangers of legacy software that may contain unpatched vulnerabilities. The fix for this vulnerability should include implementing proper input sanitization, using secure coding practices, and ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are validated before being used in file inclusion operations.