CVE-2007-2456 in FireFly
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in FireFly 1.1.01 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the doc_root parameter to (1) localize.php or (2) config.php in modules/admin/include/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2456 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in FireFly version 1.1.01 that exposes the application to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects two key files within the administrative module structure: localize.php and config.php located in modules/admin/include/. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as file paths or URLs within the application's include functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the doc_root parameter without proper validation, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious URLs that get included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category for Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command and CWE-94 for Improper Control of Generation of Code, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in input handling and code execution control. The attack vector leverages the PHP include functionality to load and execute remote code, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for systems running FireFly 1.1.01 as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, modify application behavior, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication.
The security implications of CVE-2007-2456 align with ATT&CK tactics including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious code through web application interfaces. Organizations running vulnerable versions of FireFly face significant exposure risk, particularly in environments where the application is accessible from untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in secure coding practices related to input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to the latest FireFly version, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, restricting file inclusion paths to local directories only, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious inclusion attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns should be implemented as part of comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies.