CVE-2007-2329 in Searchactivity
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in searchbot.php in Searchactivity allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2329 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the searchbot.php component of the Searchactivity application. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities, specifically manifesting as a php remote file inclusion vulnerability that directly impacts the security posture of affected systems. The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the path parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the path parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When a user provides a URL value through the path parameter, the application directly incorporates this input into a require or include statement without adequate sanitization measures. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to reference remote malicious files hosted on external servers, effectively allowing them to execute arbitrary code within the context of the web application. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-94 weakness, specifically related to Improper Control of Generation of Code, which is a subset of the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the path parameter to point to attacker-controlled remote resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2329 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish reverse shells, or deploy additional malware payloads within the target environment. The vulnerability affects systems running the Searchactivity application and can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system integrity compromise, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructures. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically PHP, and represents a significant threat vector for initial access and privilege escalation within compromised environments. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2329 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. This includes using allowlists or whitelisting mechanisms to restrict acceptable input values and implementing strict parameter validation to prevent URL injection attacks. Organizations should also apply the latest security patches and updates from the software vendor, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent versions of the Searchactivity application. Additional protective measures include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. The implementation of proper access controls and input validation aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and helps prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in other components of the system architecture.