CVE-2007-2168 in AimStats
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in process.php in AimStats 3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject PHP code into config.php via the databasehost parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2168 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the AimStats 3.2 software suite, specifically affecting the process.php component. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input during the configuration process, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the databasehost parameter is manipulated during the installation or configuration phase, allowing malicious actors to inject PHP code directly into the config.php file that serves as the application's primary configuration repository.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the process.php script. When the application processes the databasehost parameter without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into the configuration file generation process. This primitive approach to input handling creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code rather than mere configuration values. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to remote code execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of software configuration management and code generation, where user input intended for database connection parameters inadvertently becomes executable code within the application's configuration file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security of the entire AimStats installation. Remote attackers who exploit this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web server hosting the application. The injected PHP code could be used to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or manipulate the application's functionality to serve malicious purposes. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where AimStats is deployed in environments with limited security controls, as the attack surface remains accessible to external threat actors without requiring authentication. The risk is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects versions through 3.2, indicating that the flaw existed for an extended period without proper remediation, leaving numerous installations exposed to exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of AimStats if available, or applying custom input validation measures to prevent direct injection of PHP code into configuration files. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input sanitization at all points where user data is processed, particularly during installation and configuration phases. Additionally, system administrators should implement network-level controls to restrict access to configuration scripts and ensure that the config.php file is properly secured with appropriate file permissions to prevent unauthorized modification. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," highlighting how poorly sanitized input can enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through PHP-based injection vectors. The incident underscores the necessity for security-conscious development practices and proper code review processes to prevent such fundamental flaws in application architecture that can lead to complete system compromise.