CVE-2007-2088 in Sitebar
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Sitebar 3.3.5 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) writerFile parameter to index.php and the (2) file parameter to Integrator.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2088 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Sitebar versions 3.3.5 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied parameters, specifically the writerFile parameter in index.php and the file parameter in Integrator.php. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into these parameters, enabling them to load and execute remote PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability operates through the attacker's ability to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms, bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or the establishment of backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.007 technique, which involves the execution of code through web shells or similar mechanisms, and the T1190 technique related to exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The exploitability of this flaw is further enhanced by the fact that it affects core application functionality, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2007-2088 requires immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. Organizations should upgrade to Sitebar versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported and lack security updates. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URLs or external references, particularly when these parameters are used in file inclusion contexts. Security measures should include disabling the ability to include remote files through user-supplied parameters, implementing proper input sanitization, and applying the principle of least privilege to limit what external resources can be accessed. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding practices, including the avoidance of dynamic file inclusion with user-supplied data, should be strictly enforced in web application development.