CVE-2007-2900 in Scallywag
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Scallywag 2005-04-25 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter to template.php in (1) skin/dark/, (2) skin/gold/, or (3) skin/original/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2900 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Scallywag content management system version 2005-04-25. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the application's template processing functionality, specifically in the template.php file located within three distinct skin directories. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the path parameter, enabling them to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers can leverage this weakness without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file paths or URL constructions. The affected template.php files in skin/dark/, skin/gold/, and skin/original/ directories demonstrate a classic insecure direct object reference pattern where the path parameter is directly used to construct file inclusion paths without adequate validation or sanitization. This allows attackers to manipulate the inclusion process by providing malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting attacker-controlled PHP code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers running the affected Scallywag version. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability also represents a common entry point for automated attack campaigns, as it can be easily detected and exploited by scanning tools, making vulnerable systems particularly attractive targets for mass exploitation attempts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URL schemes or external references within the path parameter. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and network segmentation to limit the exposure of vulnerable applications. Additionally, the use of PHP's open_basedir directive and disable_functions configuration can provide additional layers of protection against remote file inclusion attacks. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability maps to the exploitation of remote services through web application vulnerabilities, making it a primary target for initial access and privilege escalation operations in cyber attack chains. Regular security audits and application vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar insecure coding practices that could lead to comparable remote execution vulnerabilities in other web applications.