CVE-2007-2573 in PHPtree
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in plugin/HP_DEV/cms2.php in PHPtree 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the s_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2573 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHPtree 1.3 content management system specifically affecting the plugin/HP_DEV/cms2.php component. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-88 as it involves improper validation of input data that leads to the execution of arbitrary code. The flaw exists in how the application processes user-supplied input through the s_dir parameter, which is used to specify directory paths within the CMS. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for remote code execution.
The technical mechanism of exploitation relies on PHP's ability to include files from remote locations when the allow_url_include directive is enabled in the php.ini configuration. The s_dir parameter in the cms2.php plugin directly influences the file inclusion process without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to inject URLs pointing to malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and remote code execution pattern that has been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature and represents a fundamental flaw in input sanitization practices. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that manipulate the application's file inclusion logic to fetch and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to data theft, server compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects any system running PHPtree 1.3 with the vulnerable plugin enabled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the CMS or where the application is publicly exposed. This flaw can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it especially concerning for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for initial access, and T1059 for the execution of malicious code through command injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2573 focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches or upgrading to a newer version of PHPtree that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation measures, including whitelisting acceptable directory paths and implementing proper parameter sanitization before any file inclusion operations. Disabling allow_url_include in php.ini configuration files prevents the exploitation of this vulnerability by blocking remote file inclusion capabilities. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking requests containing malicious s_dir parameters. Security administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within the application ecosystem and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that patched versions maintain application functionality while eliminating the security risk.