CVE-2007-2594 in phpMyPortal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/articles.inc.php in phpMyPortal 3.0.0 RC3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GLOBALS[CHEMINMODULES] parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2594 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within phpMyPortal version 3.0.0 RC3, specifically affecting the inc/articles.inc.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic file inclusion operations.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves the GLOBALS[CHEMINMODULES] parameter which is processed without adequate security controls. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into this parameter, the application's code execution flow is manipulated to include and execute the attacker-controlled remote file. This represents a classic remote file inclusion attack pattern that has been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature and commonly classified under CWE-88 for improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input sanitization and proper parameter validation within the application's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpMyPortal was designed as a web-based content management system, making it accessible over the internet and vulnerable to automated scanning and exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allowlists of trusted values rather than denylists, and implement proper parameter validation before any dynamic inclusion occurs. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features entirely, using absolute paths for file operations, and implementing proper input filtering techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to analogous vulnerabilities. The remediation process should follow industry standards such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to ensure comprehensive protection against similar remote file inclusion threats.