CVE-2007-2530 in Tropicalm Crowell Resource
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Tropicalm Crowell Resource 4.5.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the RESPATH parameter to (1) dosearch.php or (2) printfriendly.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2530 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Tropicalm Crowell Resource version 4.5.2 web application. This vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors through the dosearch.php and printfriendly.php scripts, both of which improperly handle user-supplied input through the RESPATH parameter. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs which are then processed by the application's file inclusion functions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, which encompasses improper execution of code due to inadequate input validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the RESPATH parameter to either of the vulnerable scripts. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an opportunity for remote code execution. When the application processes the malicious input, it attempts to include and execute the remote file specified by the attacker, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as the attacker can leverage the compromised server to execute malicious code and potentially establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2530 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once successfully exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, and potentially use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality and can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and service disruption. Organizations running affected versions of Tropicalm Crowell Resource face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive information or serves as a critical business component. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2530 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary and most effective solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to a version that resolves the vulnerability, which would typically include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should implement strict input validation that prevents URL schemes from being accepted in the RESPATH parameter and should employ allowlists rather than blocklists for parameter handling. Additional mitigations include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review processes to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should also be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as recommended in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly in preventing injection flaws that can lead to remote code execution.