CVE-2007-2679 in Simple Php Scripts Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Ivan Peevski gallery 0.3 in Simple PHP Scripts (sphp) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a UNC share pathname or a local file pathname in the gallery parameter, which is accessed by the file_exists function. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2017
This vulnerability resides in the Ivan Peevski gallery 0.3 script developed by Simple PHP Scripts, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that exploits improper input validation in the gallery parameter handling. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the gallery parameter, which is subsequently passed to the file_exists function without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file path parameter to reference either UNC share pathnames or local file pathnames, creating a pathway for arbitrary PHP code execution within the target system's context.
The technical exploitation mechanism leverages the inherent trust placed in the file_exists function, which is designed to check for file existence but fails to properly validate user-controlled input. When a malicious user supplies a crafted UNC path or local file path through the gallery parameter, the application's insecure handling allows this input to be interpreted as a legitimate file path, potentially bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, aligning with CWE-22 and CWE-94 as identified by the Common Weakness Enumeration standard.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or perform data exfiltration from the compromised system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Execution tactic, specifically targeting the 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' technique where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code.
The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of unauthorized access to their web servers, especially given the widespread use of PHP-based gallery applications. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software, implementation of proper input validation and sanitization, restriction of file access permissions, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious path manipulation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement robust access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file system access.