CVE-2007-2086 in CNStats
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in CNStats 2.9 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the bj parameter to (1) who_r.php or (2) who_s.php in reports/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2086 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting CNStats 2.9, a web-based statistics tracking application. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input in the bj parameter, which is processed in two specific files: who_r.php and who_s.php located within the reports/ directory. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the scope of file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command. Attackers can manipulate the bj parameter to reference external URLs containing malicious PHP payloads, leveraging the application's trust in user input to execute unauthorized code. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code, specifically through the manipulation of dynamic code execution mechanisms. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized code execution capabilities on the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the compromised server. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, making it a critical threat to organizational security. Organizations running CNStats 2.9 are particularly vulnerable since this flaw enables attackers to execute malicious code without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a version that resolves the input validation issues in the bj parameter handling. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures that reject any non-expected input patterns, particularly those containing URL schemes or external references. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations to local paths only and implementing proper access controls. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers the use of remote file inclusion for privilege escalation and code execution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network segmentation and regular security assessments to prevent unauthorized access and code execution.