CVE-2007-2169 in Mozzers SubSystem
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in add.php in Mozzers SubSystem 1.0 allows remote attackers to inject PHP code into subs.php via the (1) Sub-name or (2) Sub-url field. NOTE: an earlier report indicated that the add action can be reached through a request to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2169 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the Mozzers SubSystem 1.0 web application. This vulnerability exists in the add.php script which processes user input for creating new subsystem entries. The flaw manifests when attackers can inject malicious PHP code into the subs.php file through two primary input vectors: the Sub-name field and the Sub-url field. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to inject executable code into applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward injection attack vector where malicious payloads are submitted through the vulnerable form fields. When the application processes these inputs without proper sanitization or validation, the injected PHP code becomes permanently stored in the subs.php file. This creates a persistent backdoor that can execute arbitrary code on the server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the add action can be accessed through index.php, expanding the attack surface and making exploitation more accessible to remote attackers. This design flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and output encoding, where user-supplied data flows directly into executable code without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with complete server compromise capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify application behavior, and establish persistent access points. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as malicious code can be executed silently in the background. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP", and represents a significant threat to web application security. The persistence of the injected code means that even after the initial attack, the malicious functionality remains active until manually removed, creating long-term security risks for the organization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data before it is processed or stored. This includes employing proper escaping techniques for PHP code and ensuring that all input undergoes thorough validation against expected data formats. Additionally, the application should implement proper output encoding when displaying user data to prevent any potential cross-site scripting or code execution scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing secure coding practices such as parameterized queries, input whitelisting, and proper access controls. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and should be addressed immediately through code review, input validation implementation, and comprehensive security testing to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities in other parts of the application.