CVE-2007-2298 in Garennes
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Garennes 0.6.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the repertoire_config parameter to index.php in (1) cpe/, (2) direction/, or (3) professeurs/.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2298 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Garennes version 0.6.1 and earlier installations. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input through the repertoire_config parameter in three specific directories: cpe/, direction/, and professeurs/. The flaw stems from improper validation and sanitization of input parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code on the target server.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. The attack vector leverages the PHP include or require functions, which are commonly used to incorporate external files into the execution flow. When these functions receive untrusted input without proper validation, they can be manipulated to load malicious code from remote servers controlled by attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection pattern that has been prevalent in web application security for over a decade.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected systems. An unauthenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This includes the ability to read sensitive files, establish backdoor access, perform data exfiltration, and deploy additional malware. The affected directories cpe/, direction/, and professeurs/ likely contain functionality related to educational management systems, making the exploitation particularly dangerous for institutions handling sensitive student and staff data. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct pathway to escalate privileges and gain persistent access to the affected infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2298 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic include operations. This includes validating that input parameters contain only expected values and rejecting any input that could lead to file inclusion operations. The application should also disable the ability to include files from remote locations through configuration settings and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations. Additionally, the use of PHP's allow_url_include directive should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion entirely. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development. This issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which covers executing malicious code through various application interfaces. Regular security audits and code reviews are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.