CVE-2007-2597 in telltarget CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in telltarget CMS 1.3.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) ordnertiefe parameter to site_conf.php; or the (2) tt_docroot parameter to (a) class.csv.php, (b) produkte_nach_serie.php, or (c) ref_kd_rubrik.php in functionen/; (d) hg_referenz_jobgalerie.php, (e) surfer_anmeldung_NWL.php, (f) produkte_nach_serie_alle.php, (g) surfer_aendern.php, (h) ref_kd_rubrik.php, or (i) referenz.php in module/; or (j) 1/lay.php or (k) 3/lay.php in standard/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2597 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting telltarget CMS version 1.3.3, which falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88 - Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command. This vulnerability stems from the CMS's improper handling of user-supplied input parameters that are directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw exists across multiple entry points within the application's codebase, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit various pathways to achieve remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input through specific parameters that are then used in include or require statements. In the case of ordnertiefe parameter within site_conf.php, or the tt_docroot parameter in various files within both functionen/ and module/ directories, the CMS fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code, which then gets executed on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability operates at the core of the application's file inclusion mechanism, where user-controllable variables are directly concatenated into file paths without proper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or server takeover. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple files and directories in the CMS increases the attack surface significantly, making it easier for threat actors to find a working exploit path. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications that are publicly accessible and have no proper network segmentation or application firewalls in place to prevent such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization across all user-controllable parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling the dangerous php.ini settings like allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include, which directly contribute to this vulnerability class. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation using whitelisting techniques for all parameters that control file inclusion paths, and employ proper parameter sanitization before any file operations occur. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for both application-level defenses and network-based detection mechanisms to protect against such attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with the principle of least privilege, as the CMS should not be configured to allow remote file inclusion operations that could be exploited for code execution.