CVE-2007-2096 in PHPHD Download System
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in common.php in Hinton Design PHPHD Download System (phphd_downloads) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phphd_real_path parameter. NOTE: this issue may be present in versions from 2006.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2096 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Hinton Design PHPHD Download System version 2006 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the common.php file and specifically targets the phphd_real_path parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates a classic remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web application environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input from the phphd_real_path parameter into file inclusion functions without proper validation or sanitization. This allows attackers to manipulate the parameter to include malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting attacker-controlled PHP code, effectively bypassing local file system restrictions and executing arbitrary commands on the target server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations running affected versions of the PHPHD Download System. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution as attackers can use the compromised system to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or launch attacks against other systems within the network perimeter. The vulnerability's presence in versions from 2006 indicates a long-standing security issue that was not properly addressed in the software's development lifecycle, highlighting poor security practices in legacy application maintenance.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version that addresses the remote file inclusion flaw. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied parameters from being directly used in file inclusion operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the attack surface by restricting access to the vulnerable application. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security assessments of all applications using similar patterns to identify and address potential remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution attacks, particularly in legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates.