CVE-2007-2677 in phpChess
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpChess Community Edition 2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in (1) the config parameter to includes/language.php, or the Root_Path parameter to (2) layout_admin_cfg.php, (3) layout_cfg.php, or (4) layout_t_top.php in skins/phpchess/. NOTE: vector 1 has been disputed by CVE, since the code is defined within a function that is not called from within includes/language.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2677 represents a critical remote file inclusion vulnerability affecting phpChess Community Edition 2.0, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution flaws. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-829, representing an incomplete blacklist approach to input validation, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability exists due to the application's improper handling of user-controllable parameters that are directly incorporated into file path constructions, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious URLs and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The specific nature of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote access tools and exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Multiple attack vectors have been identified within the phpChess application, each presenting distinct pathways for exploitation through the inclusion of external URLs in different configuration parameters. The primary vector involves the config parameter within includes/language.php, where an attacker can manipulate the input to reference a remote malicious file, while secondary vectors target the Root_Path parameter in three separate files: layout_admin_cfg.php, layout_cfg.php, and layout_t_top.php within the skins/phpchess/ directory structure. These vulnerabilities demonstrate a pattern of insecure parameter handling where user input is directly concatenated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation, creating multiple entry points for remote code execution. The fact that one vector has been disputed by CVE indicates the complexity of the vulnerability assessment and the need for careful analysis of the actual code execution paths within the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the target infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the phpChess application, which operates within web server environments where PHP scripts are executed, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web-based applications. The implications are particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects configuration files that are integral to the application's operation, potentially allowing attackers to modify application behavior, access sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameter sanitization measures across all user-controllable parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. The most effective approach involves implementing a strict whitelist validation mechanism that only allows predefined, safe values to be used in file inclusion contexts, rather than relying on blacklisting approaches that can be easily bypassed. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization by removing or encoding special characters from user-supplied input before it is processed by the application. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring that web server processes operate with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined, secure directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic and static analysis of web applications to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.