CVE-2007-2620 in original
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/config.inc.php in Jakub Steiner (aka jimmac) original 0.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the x[1] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2620 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PHP-based application developed by Jakub Steiner under the alias jimmac. This vulnerability exists within the configuration file inc/config.inc.php of version 0.11 of the software, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately verify user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the x[1] parameter which is processed by the application without sufficient validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through this parameter, the application's code execution flow inadvertently includes and executes the remote file specified in the URL. This behavior aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically relates to the broader category of remote code execution vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of insecure input handling and dynamic code loading mechanisms, where user-controllable data directly influences the inclusion process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, malicious actors can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can exploit it from anywhere on the internet. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and represents a classic example of how insecure file inclusion practices can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can potentially provide attackers with access to underlying system resources and data stored within the application's environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ whitelisting mechanisms that restrict file inclusion to predefined, trusted locations and reject any input that appears suspicious or contains potentially dangerous characters. Additionally, the application should be updated to use secure coding practices such as disabling remote file inclusion features, implementing proper parameter validation, and utilizing secure file handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and demonstrates how seemingly simple input handling flaws can result in catastrophic security consequences, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes throughout the software development lifecycle.