CVE-2007-2493 in RULES
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in faq.php in the FAQ & RULES 2.0.0 and earlier module for mxBB allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the module_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2493 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the FAQ & RULES module version 2.0.0 and earlier within the mxBB bulletin board system. This vulnerability resides in the faq.php script where user-supplied input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization measures. The flaw specifically manifests when the module_root_path parameter receives a URL value that gets processed through a require_once or include_once statement, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious PHP code from remote servers.
From a technical perspective this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability operates through a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code and passes it as the module_root_path parameter to the vulnerable faq.php script. When the web application processes this parameter, it attempts to include the remote file, executing any PHP code contained within it on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage publicly accessible web applications to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it grants remote attackers complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, perform lateral movement within the network, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects installations where the PHP configuration allows remote file inclusion or where the web server has access to external resources, making it particularly dangerous in environments with weak security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves updating to version 2.0.1 or later of the FAQ & RULES module where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of the module_root_path parameter. Administrators should implement input validation that rejects any URL schemes or external references in parameters that control file inclusion operations. Additionally, the web server configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion by setting allow_url_include to off in php.ini, and implementing proper input sanitization functions that strip or encode potentially malicious characters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the mxBB system or related modules.