CVE-2007-2861 in SAXON
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Simple Accessible XHTML Online News (SAXON) 4.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the template parameter to (1) news.php, (2) preview.php, or (3) archive-display.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2861 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting the Simple Accessible XHTML Online News (SAXON) content management system version 4.6. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in the template parameter processing functionality. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server by manipulating URL parameters in three key application files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application" through the exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the template parameter before incorporating it into the execution flow. When users provide a URL value in the template parameter of the affected files news.php, preview.php, or archive-display.php, the system directly includes and executes the remote file without adequate validation. This creates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector where attackers can leverage the vulnerable include functionality to fetch and execute malicious code hosted on remote servers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the target environment. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data access, data corruption, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the affected system, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on the SAXON platform. The attack surface is relatively broad as it impacts three different files within the application, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of the SAXON application, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from being processed as part of file inclusion operations. Web application firewalls can be configured to detect and block suspicious URL patterns targeting these specific endpoints. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to local paths only. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications within the environment, as this type of vulnerability is commonly found in legacy systems and applications that lack proper input validation mechanisms.