CVE-2007-2289 in Download-Engine
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/includes/spaw/dialogs/insert_link.php in download engine (Download-Engine) 1.4.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter, a different vector than CVE-2007-2255. NOTE: this may be an issue in SPAW.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2289 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Download-Engine 1.4.1 web application, specifically affecting the administrative interface component located at admin/includes/spaw/dialogs/insert_link.php. This vulnerability exists within the SPAW (Simple PHP WYSIWYG) editor integration and demonstrates how web application security can be compromised through improper input validation and dynamic code execution mechanisms. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the spaw_root parameter through a URL, enabling them to include and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector compared to CVE-2007-2255, highlighting the complexity of web application security issues that can manifest in similar components but through different exploitation pathways. The attack requires authentication, which reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the severity of the vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input passed through the spaw_root parameter. When an authenticated user submits a request containing a malicious URL in this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing the inclusion of remote files. This behavior aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression context, specifically manifesting as remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exploits the trust placed in the spaw_root parameter, which should only contain local file paths but is instead accepting remote URLs. This flaw directly violates secure coding principles and demonstrates a lack of input validation controls that would normally prevent such dangerous parameter manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2289 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically operates with elevated permissions. This could lead to data theft, server compromise, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's authenticated nature means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but this requirement does not mitigate the risk significantly as compromised accounts are often used in broader attack campaigns. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code, and demonstrates how seemingly isolated components like WYSIWYG editors can serve as attack vectors in larger web application architectures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level issues and broader architectural security concerns. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all parameters that influence file inclusion operations, particularly ensuring that the spaw_root parameter only accepts valid local file paths. Developers should employ allowlists rather than blocklists for parameter validation and avoid dynamic file inclusion based on user input. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, as demonstrated by the PHP configuration directive allow_url_include. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, while applying security patches and updates to all components including the SPAW editor. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing including dynamic analysis of file inclusion points and parameter handling within web applications, particularly those integrating third-party components that may introduce additional attack surfaces.