CVE-2007-2936 in Frequency Clock
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Frequency Clock 0.1b (Beta 0.1) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the securelib parameter to (1) conf.php or (2) cp2.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2936 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Frequency Clock version 0.1b Beta 0.1, a web-based application designed for time management and scheduling. This vulnerability resides within the application's parameter handling mechanism and specifically impacts two key files: conf.php and cp2.php. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the securelib parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution pattern that has been historically prevalent in web applications suffering from improper input handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input parameters. When the securelib parameter is passed to either conf.php or cp2.php, the application directly incorporates the provided URL value into its execution flow without proper filtering or context validation. This creates an environment where attackers can supply malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically manifests as CWE-88, indicating improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query. The flaw operates at the intersection of insecure parameter handling and remote code execution, allowing attackers to bypass normal application security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the web server hosting the Frequency Clock application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability allows for the execution of malicious PHP scripts from remote servers, enabling attackers to perform actions such as data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or installation of backdoors. This type of vulnerability can result in persistent access to the compromised system and serves as a gateway for further lateral movement within network environments. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, focusing on command and scripting interpreters for execution.
The exploitation of CVE-2007-2936 requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated using readily available tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments with insufficient security controls. The vulnerability affects web applications that improperly handle file inclusion parameters, and the specific implementation in Frequency Clock demonstrates how beta software often lacks proper security testing and input validation. Organizations running this version of Frequency Clock are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security. Security best practices recommend immediate patching, input sanitization, and the implementation of secure coding practices to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments. The flaw underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing during the software development lifecycle, particularly for applications handling user input through file inclusion mechanisms, and emphasizes the importance of adhering to secure coding standards to prevent remote code execution vulnerabilities.