CVE-2007-2140 in Flip
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in everything.php in Franklin Huang Flip (aka Flip-search-add-on) 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the incpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2140 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Franklin Huang Flip search add-on version 2.0, which operates within PHP environments. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's codebase, specifically affecting the everything.php script that processes user-supplied data through the incpath parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a pathway for remote code execution and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability occurs when the application directly incorporates user-provided input into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs in the incpath parameter that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, which are then executed within the context of the vulnerable web application. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially enabling them to install backdoors, steal data, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable version of the Franklin Huang Flip add-on, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications or services may be interconnected. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2140 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable software component, as the most effective solution. Organizations should also implement input validation mechanisms that prevent the inclusion of external URLs in file operations, particularly by disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations using the allow_url_fopen directive. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization within the application code ensures that any user-supplied input is properly checked before being used in file inclusion operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications and components within the system infrastructure.