CVE-2007-2663 in Beacon
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in language/1/splash.lang.php in Beacon 0.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the languagePath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2663 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Beacon content management system version 0.2.0. This vulnerability exists within the language/splash.lang.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The specific parameter affected is languagePath which is used to determine the path of language files during application execution. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the application blindly includes and executes the remote code, creating a severe security risk that can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without authentication.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-94, allowing for arbitrary code execution due to the application's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization measures. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code on target systems, and T1059, representing the execution of commands through web applications. The attack vector leverages the trust model of web applications where user-supplied data is not properly validated before being processed, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects any system running Beacon 0.2.0 where the languagePath parameter is used without proper input validation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of internal network structures to exploit this vulnerability, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2663 should focus on immediate patching of the Beacon application to version 0.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelisting mechanisms that only allow predefined, safe language paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious patterns in URL parameters that could indicate attempts to exploit remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider disabling the ability to include remote files entirely, as this functionality is rarely required for legitimate application operations and significantly reduces the attack surface. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and ensure that proper input validation practices are consistently applied throughout the organization's web applications.