CVE-2007-2477 in phpMyChat
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in phpMyChat.php3 in phpMyChat 0.14.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the {ChatPath} parameter. NOTE: this has been disputed by multiple third parties and CVE because $ChatPath is set to a constant value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2477 represents a disputed remote file inclusion flaw within phpMyChat version 0.14.5, specifically targeting the phpMyChat.php3 component. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities and demonstrates a classic remote code execution vector that could potentially allow malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through the {ChatPath} parameter which, according to the original description, could be manipulated by remote attackers to include external URLs containing malicious code.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the phpMyChat application's handling of the ChatPath parameter. When the application processes user-supplied input through this parameter without adequate verification or filtering, it creates an opportunity for attackers to inject URLs that point to malicious remote resources. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector makes it particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with full control over the affected server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or compromise the entire web server infrastructure. In environments where phpMyChat is deployed, attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to database systems, potentially leading to data breaches and system compromise. The disputed nature of this CVE highlights the complexity of vulnerability assessment and the importance of proper validation of security claims. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpMyChat would face significant risk exposure, particularly in scenarios where the application is accessible from untrusted networks or where proper input sanitization is not implemented.
While the vulnerability has been disputed by multiple third parties due to the assertion that $ChatPath is set to a constant value, the original description suggests that attackers could still manipulate the parameter to achieve code execution. This discrepancy underscores the importance of thorough vulnerability analysis and the need for organizations to implement comprehensive security measures regardless of official CVE status. The recommended mitigations include immediate patching of affected systems, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter manipulation attempts to detect potential exploitation attempts.