CVE-2007-2094 in Anthologia
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Anthologia 0.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ads_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2094 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Anthologia 0.5.2 content management system. This issue resides within the index.php file and specifically targets the ads_file parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the application, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the ads_file parameter in the HTTP request. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into the execution flow, allowing the PHP interpreter to treat the remote URL as executable code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious payloads hosted on remote servers, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that dynamically include content.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2094 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically has access to the application's database and file system. This vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that can be used for data exfiltration, server enumeration, and further network infiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to both automated attack tools and skilled adversaries. Organizations running Anthologia 0.5.2 are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a launching point for broader attacks within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. This includes employing allowlists of acceptable values, rejecting suspicious input patterns, and implementing proper parameter validation before any dynamic inclusion occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and ensuring proper file system access controls are in place. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy systems. The remediation process should also include updating to supported versions of Anthologia or migrating to more secure modern alternatives, as version 0.5.2 is no longer maintained and likely contains additional unpatched vulnerabilities.