CVE-2007-2201 in Post Revolution
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Post Revolution 6.6 and 7.0 RC2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir parameter to (1) common.php or (2) themes/default/preview_post_completo.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2201 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Post Revolution versions 6.6 and 7.0 RC2. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the dir parameter in two distinct files: common.php and themes/default/preview_post_completo.php. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently processed as PHP files, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, concerning the execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of input validation failures and dynamic code execution mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in web application contexts where user input is processed without proper sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that gets passed through the dir parameter in either of the vulnerable files. When the application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, it allows the remote file inclusion to occur, effectively executing the attacker's code within the context of the web server. This type of attack pattern is consistent with the techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for exploitation of remote services. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as the executed code operates with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where dynamic file inclusion is permitted without proper access control or input validation, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further network infiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2201 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations using affected versions of Post Revolution. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal ramifications if exploited successfully, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss or iso 27001. The attack vector specifically targets the application's configuration and input handling mechanisms, making it particularly challenging to detect through standard network monitoring. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions (6.6 and 7.0 RC2) indicates a systemic issue in the application's codebase that requires comprehensive remediation rather than simple patch application. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment and implement layered defenses including web application firewalls, input validation controls, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2201 should address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely by configuring php to restrict access to remote URLs through settings such as allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include. The application should be updated to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes the dir parameter input before processing. Security measures should include implementing proper access controls, using whitelisting approaches for file inclusion operations, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, while regular security assessments and penetration testing help identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks, aligning with industry best practices outlined in standards such as owasp top 10 and nist cybersecurity framework. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect similar issues in other applications within their environment.