CVE-2007-2326 in Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in HYIP Manager Pro allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the plugin_file parameter to (1) Smarty.class.php and (2) Smarty_Compiler.class.php in inc/libs/; (3) core.display_debug_console.php, (4) core.load_plugins.php, (5) core.load_resource_plugin.php, (6) core.process_cached_inserts.php, (7) core.process_compiled_include.php, and (8) core.read_cache_file.php in inc/libs/core/; and other unspecified files. NOTE: (1) and (2) might be incorrectly reported vectors in Smarty.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2326 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting HYIP Manager Pro, a web application designed for managing High Yield Investment Programs. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's core components, specifically in the Smarty templating engine integration. The flaw exists in multiple PHP files within the application's library structure, creating multiple attack vectors that could potentially allow remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin_file parameter handling within various Smarty class files and core processing functions, making it particularly dangerous as it spans across different functional areas of the application's architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the plugin_file parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation of user-supplied input. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the plugin_file parameter, the application's code execution flow becomes compromised. The vulnerability operates at the core level of the Smarty templating system, where the system attempts to include and process external files without adequate security checks. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively granting them remote control over the affected system. The flaw is classified under CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, though in this case the vulnerability manifests as improper neutralization of file paths in PHP include operations. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they target fundamental application components rather than isolated modules, amplifying the potential impact of exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to completely compromise the target server and gain persistent access to the underlying infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically has extensive access to the application's file system and database resources. The vulnerability affects not just individual files but entire functional areas of the application, as evidenced by the multiple affected files including core.display_debug_console.php, core.load_plugins.php, and other processing functions within the inc/libs/core/ directory. This widespread impact means that even if one attack vector is patched, others may remain exploitable. The vulnerability's presence in the Smarty templating engine components makes it particularly dangerous because these libraries are fundamental to the application's rendering and processing capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior at multiple levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate and comprehensive action across multiple security domains. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for all parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and that any file paths are checked against a whitelist of allowed values. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring the web server to restrict file inclusion operations to specific, trusted directories. Additionally, the application should be updated to use patched versions of the Smarty library that address these vulnerabilities, as the issue appears to stem from the templating engine's handling of external file references. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns of insecure file handling that may exist in other parts of the application codebase, as this vulnerability demonstrates a systemic issue in input validation practices.