CVE-2007-2302 in Expow
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in autoindex.php in Expow 0.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cfg_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2302 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Expow 0.8 content management system. This issue manifests in the autoindex.php script where the cfg_file parameter is improperly validated and sanitized, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied URLs, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted HTTP requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which categorizes improper control of generation of code, specifically addressing the dangerous practice of incorporating user input directly into code execution paths. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, which then get included and executed by the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents severe implications for organizations using Expow 0.8, as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or deploy additional malware payloads. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability encompass multiple defensive strategies aligned with established cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should immediately implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent user-supplied data from being processed as executable code. This includes implementing strict parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable file paths, and avoiding dynamic include statements that incorporate user input. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only necessary components and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security measures including regular patching, secure coding practices, and continuous monitoring for exploitation attempts.