CVE-2007-2340 in phporacleview
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in inc/include_all.inc.php in phporacleview allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) page_dir or (2) inc_dir parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2340 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phporacleview web application that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability resides within the inc/include_all.inc.php file and affects the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters. The flaw specifically impacts two distinct parameters named page_dir and inc_dir, which are processed without adequate validation or sanitization, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability operates by accepting URL values through the page_dir and inc_dir parameters and directly incorporating these values into file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for either parameter, the application's code execution flow processes this input without proper validation, leading to the inclusion of attacker-controlled remote files. This behavior constitutes a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the target system, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. The implications are severe because PHP applications often run with elevated privileges and may have access to databases and other system resources, amplifying the potential damage from a successful attack.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should reject any input that contains URL schemes or external references, enforcing strict path validation to prevent inclusion of remote files. Additionally, developers should implement whitelisting mechanisms that only allow specific, predefined directories to be used in file inclusion operations. Security controls should also include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit which users can modify application parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter.