CVE-2007-2751 in PHPGlossar
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in PHPGlossar 0.8 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the format_menue parameter to (1) admin/inc/change_action.php or (2) admin/inc/add.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2751 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting PHPGlossar version 0.8, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution vulnerabilities. This issue stems from improper input validation within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the format_menue parameter in two distinct administrative scripts. The vulnerability exposes the application to unauthorized code execution attacks, potentially allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated attacks and compromising the entire web application infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the format_menue parameter in two separate administrative endpoints: admin/inc/change_action.php and admin/inc/add.php. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to specify external URLs that are then executed as PHP code on the server. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion (RFI) issue, which is categorized under CWE-88 and CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command or a remote file inclusion attack. The flaw essentially allows attackers to leverage the application's legitimate file inclusion functionality to load and execute malicious code from remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and application. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, deploy malware, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and underlying infrastructure, making it a critical security concern for any organization running affected versions of PHPGlossar. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1105 (Remote File Copy), as attackers can leverage the RFI capability to download and execute additional payloads. The attack chain typically involves identifying the vulnerable parameter, crafting malicious URLs with payload delivery, and executing the remote code to gain unauthorized access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from being used in file inclusion operations. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing external URL schemes or protocols, while also applying proper output encoding and using allowlists for acceptable values. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only trusted local paths and ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required permissions. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of PHPGlossar that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 0.8 contains multiple security flaws that compound the risk. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, while implementing secure coding practices including the use of PHP's open_basedir restrictions and disabling dangerous functions like eval() and shell_exec() in the application configuration. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls in web applications to prevent unauthorized code execution attacks.