CVE-2007-2261 in C-Arbre
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in espaces/communiques/annotations.php in C-Arbre 0.6PR7 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_path parameter, a different vector than CVE-2007-1721.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2261 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the C-Arbre content management system version 0.6PR7 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the espaces/communiques/annotations.php script, which fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The flaw specifically affects the root_path parameter, which when manipulated with a malicious URL can trigger unauthorized code execution on the affected server. This vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector compared to CVE-2007-1721, making it particularly concerning for systems that may be vulnerable to both flaws simultaneously.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the PHP application's file inclusion mechanism. When the root_path parameter is passed to the annotations.php script, the application directly uses this parameter in a file inclusion operation without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an environment where an attacker can inject a remote URL that points to malicious PHP code hosted on an external server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and specifically relates to CWE-88, concerning improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to upload and execute malicious code, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and underlying system resources. Organizations running C-Arbre versions 0.6PR7 or earlier face significant risk, as this flaw can be exploited without authentication and can be easily automated through web-based attack tools. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates through a remote attack vector, making it accessible to attackers worldwide without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2261 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected C-Arbre versions to the latest available release that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly parameters used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of PHP's open_basedir directive and disabling of remote file inclusion through the allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include configuration settings provides additional defense in depth measures. Network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the vulnerable script and web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected applications within their environment that may share similar code patterns or architectures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Regular security updates and proper configuration management remain essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from compromising system security.