CVE-2007-2167 in AimStats
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in process.php in AimStats 3.2 allows remote attackers to inject PHP code into config.php via the number parameter in an update action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2167 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the AimStats 3.2 web application that fundamentally compromises the system's integrity and security posture. This vulnerability exists in the process.php file which handles update operations, specifically targeting the number parameter that is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code directly into the config.php file, which serves as the application's configuration repository and typically contains sensitive settings and parameters that control the application's behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic parameter manipulation attack where the number parameter in the update action is not properly validated or sanitized before being written to the configuration file. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to implement proper input filtering mechanisms, allowing the injected PHP code to be executed within the context of the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor within the application's configuration that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent dynamic code execution from user-supplied input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code injection, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model of the AimStats application and exposes the entire system to potential compromise. Once an attacker successfully injects PHP code into the config.php file, they gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The persistent nature of the injection means that the malicious code remains active even after the initial attack, creating a long-term threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly. This vulnerability also affects the application's data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can manipulate configuration settings to redirect traffic, modify access controls, or extract sensitive information from the system. The implications are particularly severe in environments where AimStats is used to track user activity or manage sensitive data, as the injected code could be used to monitor user behavior or access restricted resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2167 must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying architectural flaws that permitted the vulnerability. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms that ensure all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being processed or written to configuration files. This includes employing parameterized input validation that rejects any input containing potentially dangerous characters or sequences that could be interpreted as PHP code. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file permission settings that prevent unauthorized modification of critical configuration files, ensuring that only authorized administrators can make changes to the application's settings. Additionally, the application should be upgraded to a newer version that addresses this vulnerability, as AimStats 3.2 is an outdated product that likely contains additional unpatched security flaws. The remediation process should also include implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious parameter values and prevent injection attempts before they can be processed by the vulnerable application. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP code injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that protect against both current and emerging threats in web application environments.