CVE-2007-2345 in phpBrowse
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/include_stream.inc.php in CodeWand phpBrowse allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2345 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the CodeWand phpBrowse application that operates at the intersection of insecure input handling and improper resource management. This vulnerability exists within the include_stream.inc.php file and specifically targets the include_path parameter, which serves as a mechanism for PHP to determine where to search for files during include or require operations. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate this parameter with malicious URLs, effectively bypassing normal file inclusion security measures and allowing arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from PHP's ability to accept URLs in the include_path parameter when the allow_url_include directive is enabled, which is a dangerous configuration that should never be permitted in production environments. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the include_path parameter, the phpBrowse application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, leading to the inclusion of remote files that contain attacker-controlled PHP code. This creates a direct pathway for remote code execution, as the PHP interpreter executes the malicious code within the context of the web server process, potentially granting full control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper restriction of operations within a recognized security scope, and represents a classic example of how insecure parameter handling can lead to remote code execution. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such flaws to move laterally within networks and establish footholds for further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves disabling the allow_url_include directive in PHP configuration, ensuring that remote file inclusion is completely disabled. Additionally, all user-supplied input must be rigorously validated and sanitized before processing, implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URL schemes or suspicious patterns. The application should also implement proper input filtering mechanisms and utilize whitelisting approaches for any dynamic include operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious include_path parameter values, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the critical need for proper input validation in web applications to prevent exploitation of similar remote file inclusion flaws.