CVE-2007-2607 in LaVague
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in views/print/printbar.php in LaVague 0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the views_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2607 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the LaVague content management system version 0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the printbar.php file within the views/print directory structure, where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The issue stems from the application's improper handling of the views_path parameter, which allows remote attackers to manipulate this input field and inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the PHP interpreter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the views_path parameter to the vulnerable printbar.php script. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it effectively includes and executes the remote PHP code from the attacker-controlled URL. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution on the target server, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing code, create new user accounts, and perform other malicious activities that would normally require administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects not only the specific LaVague application but also demonstrates a broader pattern of insecure input handling that has been documented in numerous web applications throughout the industry. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters. The risk is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects versions that were likely widely deployed in production environments, creating a substantial attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the LaVague application to version 0.4 or later, where the input validation has been properly implemented. System administrators should also implement proper input sanitization measures such as validating all user-supplied input against a strict whitelist of acceptable characters and patterns. The application should be configured to use absolute paths for file inclusion operations rather than allowing user input to determine file locations. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can be deployed to detect and block suspicious URL patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the web application stack, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many legacy systems. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized file inclusion attempts and other suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities.