CVE-2007-2286 in PHP Link Portal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in Built2Go PHP Link Portal 1.79 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the full_path_to_db parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2286 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Built2Go PHP Link Portal version 1.79, specifically within the config.php file. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when attackers can manipulate the full_path_to_db parameter to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently processed by the application's file inclusion functions, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of the full_path_to_db parameter which is used to define the database connection path within the application's configuration file. When the application processes this parameter without adequate validation, it becomes susceptible to manipulation where an attacker can inject a remote URL containing malicious PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, specifically relating to command injection and file inclusion attacks. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web application.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to the security posture of affected systems as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the web server hosting the vulnerable application. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit and can be leveraged by attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, which are commonly used in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying architectural flaws. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures that prevent any user-supplied data from being directly processed in file inclusion contexts. The recommended approach involves using allowlists of trusted values, implementing proper parameter validation, and avoiding dynamic file inclusion based on user input. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that properly validates the full_path_to_db parameter and restricts file inclusion to predefined, safe locations. Security measures should also include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should follow the principle of least privilege and include monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.