CVE-2007-2364 in burnCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in burnCMS 0.2 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root parameter to (1) mysql.class.php or (2) postgres.class.php in lib/db/; or (3) authuser.php, (4) misc.php, or (5) connect.php in lib/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2364 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting burnCMS version 0.2 and earlier installations. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists within the database abstraction layer of the CMS, specifically in the lib/db/ directory where multiple PHP files handle database connections and user authentication processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters. When the root parameter is passed to mysql.class.php, postgres.class.php, authuser.php, misc.php, or connect.php files, the application directly incorporates this input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. This creates a condition where remote attackers can inject malicious URLs that are then executed as PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core system files that handle database connectivity and user authentication, providing attackers with potential access to sensitive data and system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to database contents. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the CMS by allowing unauthenticated remote code execution, which aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. This represents a severe risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of burnCMS, as it provides attackers with a direct path to system compromise without requiring additional authentication or exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2364 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 0.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization at all entry points, particularly in file inclusion operations, and enforce the principle of least privilege for file system access. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in CWE-22 and CWE-434, which address improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory and insecure file handling respectively. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of all PHP applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses and ensure proper parameter validation is implemented throughout the application architecture.