CVE-2007-2255 in Download-Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Download-Engine 1.4.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) eng_dir parameter to addmember.php, (2) lang_path parameter to admin/enginelib/class.phpmailer.php, and the (3) spaw_root parameter to admin/includes/spaw/dialogs/colorpicker.php, different vectors than CVE-2006-5291 and CVE-2006-5459. NOTE: vector 3 might be an issue in SPAW.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2255 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Download-Engine version 1.4.3, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations, creating multiple attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct parameter injection points within the application's codebase. The first vector involves the eng_dir parameter in addmember.php, where an attacker can manipulate the directory path to include malicious remote files. The second vulnerability exists in the lang_path parameter within admin/enginelib/class.phpmailer.php, allowing remote code execution through improper input validation. The third and most concerning vector targets the spaw_root parameter in admin/includes/spaw/dialogs/colorpicker.php, which may represent an additional attack surface within the SPAW editor component that was not covered by previous CVEs such as CVE-2006-5291 and CVE-2006-5459. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in argument lists, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code through code injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2255 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. Attackers could upload malicious files, execute commands, steal sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects not just the Download-Engine application itself but potentially the entire hosting environment, as remote code execution typically bypasses standard access controls and authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring any authentication, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation tools commonly used in cyberattacks.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities follows patterns consistent with the attack tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of vulnerable code paths. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 1.4.4 or later, which addresses these specific remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper input validation techniques such as whitelisting acceptable values, using secure coding practices, and applying web application firewalls can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in preventing code injection attacks and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of web applications, particularly those utilizing dynamic file inclusion mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.