CVE-2007-2331 in Shop-Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cart.php in Shop-Script 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lang_list parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2331 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Shop-Script 2.0 e-commerce platform that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This issue resides within the cart.php script and specifically targets the lang_list parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic file inclusion operations. According to CWE-98, this vulnerability maps directly to improper input validation during file inclusion processes, where the application directly uses user-controllable input to construct file paths without adequate sanitization or verification. The attack vector leverages the remote file inclusion capability, allowing attackers to specify URLs in the lang_list parameter that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers, effectively enabling remote code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request to the cart.php endpoint with a specially formatted lang_list parameter containing a URL pointing to a remote PHP script. The application processes this input without proper validation, leading to the inclusion and execution of the remote code within the context of the web server. This vulnerability operates under the principle of dynamic code execution through file inclusion mechanisms, where the PHP interpreter treats the remote URL as a valid file path and attempts to execute its contents. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in input handling and demonstrates the dangerous consequences of trusting user input without proper sanitization. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify website content, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments where the compromised server exists.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2331 is severe and multifaceted, as it transforms a simple e-commerce platform into a potential attack vector for broader network compromise. Organizations running Shop-Script 2.0 are exposed to immediate risks including data breaches, website defacement, and the installation of malware or backdoors. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote services and T1059 for executing malicious code through web applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, exfiltrate customer data including payment information, and use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain proper network segmentation or monitoring controls. The lack of proper input validation creates a fundamental security weakness that directly violates security best practices outlined in various industry standards and frameworks, including those related to secure coding practices and web application security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2331 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to versions of Shop-Script that address this vulnerability, as the flaw has been known for over a decade and numerous patches have been available. The fundamental fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations, implementing proper parameter validation using allowlists of acceptable values, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Additional defensive measures include restricting file inclusion to local paths only, implementing proper access controls, and establishing comprehensive monitoring and logging of file operations. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of untrusted input in dynamic file operations. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of input validation and the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security patches in web applications to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.