CVE-2007-2665 in PHP Firstpost
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in block.php in PhpFirstPost 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the Include parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2665 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PhpFirstPost 0.1 content management system that directly enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the block.php script where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into a file inclusion directive without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw specifically occurs when the Include parameter contains a URL that is subsequently processed by the include() or require() function, allowing attackers to reference external malicious files that get executed within the context of the web application.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and more specifically aligns with CWE-88 which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command" and CWE-20 which covers "Improper Input Validation." The attack vector leverages the fundamental principle of insecure file inclusion where user-controllable parameters are used to determine which files should be included and executed, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data or resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and persistent access to target environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoor scripts, establish command and control channels, or perform data exfiltration from the compromised system. The vulnerability affects any system running PhpFirstPost 0.1 where the Include parameter is not properly validated, making it particularly concerning for web applications that do not implement proper input sanitization measures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" within the Execution and Initial Access phases respectively, demonstrating how attackers can escalate privileges and maintain persistent access through such flaws.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2007-2665 involve implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-controllable parameters from influencing file inclusion decisions. Organizations should immediately patch or upgrade to versions of PhpFirstPost that address this vulnerability, as the software is no longer supported and maintained. Additionally, implementing proper input validation techniques such as whitelisting allowed values, using absolute paths for file inclusion, and disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely through php.ini configuration settings can effectively prevent exploitation. Security measures should also include monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes operate with minimal necessary permissions and that all user inputs are properly escaped or validated before being processed by the application's file inclusion mechanisms.