CVE-2007-2287 in comus
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in accept.php in comus 2.0 Final allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2287 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the comus 2.0 Final content management system, specifically within the accept.php script. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being processed as part of file inclusion operations. The issue manifests when the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter is passed to the accept.php script, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, which is typically used by web servers to determine the document root directory for a given website. When the comus application fails to properly validate or sanitize this parameter before using it in file inclusion operations, attackers can craft malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning that an attacker can potentially gain complete control over the affected web server and execute commands with the privileges of the web application user. This remote code execution capability places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1505.003 for "Taint/Injection: Remote File Inclusion," which are both categorized under the initial access and execution phases of the attack lifecycle.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2287 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once exploited, attackers can deploy backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, perform lateral movement within the network, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations running affected versions of comus 2.0 Final are at significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, as the vulnerability enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and directly manipulate the application's execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a version of comus that does not contain this vulnerability. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied data from being used in file inclusion operations. This includes implementing strict parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable values, and ensuring that all user input is properly escaped or encoded before being processed. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation can also help limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation, while regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.