CVE-2007-2097 in Back-End CMS
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in OpenConcept Back-End CMS 0.4.7 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includes_path parameter to (1) click.php or (2) pollcollector.php in htdocs/; or (3) index.php, (4) articlepages.php, (5) articles.php, (6) articleform.php, (7) articlesections.php, (8) createArticlesPage.php, (9) guestbook.php, (10) helpguide.php, (11) helpguideeditor.php, (12) links.php, (13) upload.php, (14) sitestatistics.php, (15) nav.php, (16) tpl_upload.php, (17) linksections, or (18) pophelp.php in htdocs/site-admin/; different vectors than CVE-2006-5076. NOTE: this issue is disputed by a third party, who states that $includes_path is defined before use.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2097 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the OpenConcept Back-End CMS version 0.4.7, classified under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of the includes_path parameter, which allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the PHP interpreter. The affected files span across multiple directories within the CMS, including both frontend and backend administrative components, creating a wide attack surface that could potentially compromise the entire web application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables arbitrary code execution, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly concatenated into file inclusion statements without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can manipulate the includes_path parameter through HTTP requests to point to malicious remote resources, effectively bypassing local file access controls and executing arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability affects multiple PHP files across different application sections, including click.php and pollcollector.php in the main directory, as well as numerous administrative files in the site-admin directory. This widespread impact suggests a fundamental design flaw in how the CMS handles dynamic file inclusion operations, where the application fails to implement proper input validation mechanisms before processing user-provided paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data breach potential. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or the deployment of backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK matrix domain T1190 indicates it operates as a web application attack vector that can be leveraged for lateral movement within networks. Organizations using OpenConcept Back-End CMS 0.4.7 would face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability could be exploited through automated scanning tools and requires no special privileges beyond basic web access. The issue's disputed nature regarding the $includes_path variable definition suggests potential confusion in the original vulnerability analysis, but the core exploitation mechanism remains valid and dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion features through php.ini configuration settings, implementing whitelisting mechanisms for valid file paths, and using absolute path validation before any file operations occur. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10, specifically addressing the prevention of insecure direct object references and improper input validation. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in other applications. Given the age of the affected CMS version, the most effective long-term solution would involve upgrading to a supported version that addresses these fundamental security flaws through proper input validation and secure coding practices.