CVE-2007-2891 in FirmWorX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in FirmWorX 0.1.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) bank_data[root] parameter to modules/bank/includes/design/main.inc.php, or the (2) fm_data[root] parameter to (a) includes/config/master.inc.php or (b) includes/functions/master.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2891 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting FirmWorX version 0.1.2, a web-based content management system that was prevalent in the late 2000s. This vulnerability manifests through multiple pathways that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the application's file inclusion processes, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious PHP code into the target system. The flaw exists in the core application architecture where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into file path constructions without adequate sanitization or validation, fundamentally compromising the application's security posture and enabling unauthorized code execution at the server level.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's use of dynamic file inclusion functions that accept user input through HTTP parameters without proper security controls. Specifically, the vulnerability operates through two distinct attack vectors where the bank_data[root] parameter in modules/bank/includes/design/main.inc.php and the fm_data[root] parameter in includes/config/master.inc.php and includes/functions/master.inc.php can be manipulated to reference external URLs. When these parameters are processed, they are directly concatenated into file inclusion statements, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that contain malicious PHP payloads. This pattern directly aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to upload and execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which emphasizes the importance of securing web applications against remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several security controls to protect against exploitation attempts. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 0.1.3 or later, which would contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement proper parameter validation by rejecting any input containing URL schemes or external references, and by configuring the web server to prevent remote file inclusion through directives such as allow_url_include=Off in php.ini settings. Network-level protections including firewall rules that restrict access to vulnerable endpoints and web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter values should also be deployed. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potential similar vulnerabilities within their application stack and implement proper input validation frameworks that adhere to security best practices and standards.