CVE-2007-2937 in TROforum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/admin.php in TROforum 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the site_url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2937 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the TROforum 0.1 web application, specifically within the admin/admin.php file. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as part of file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the site_url parameter is manipulated by an attacker, allowing malicious URLs to be passed directly into the application's file inclusion logic without proper verification or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code through inadequate input validation. The flaw occurs because the application directly incorporates user-provided input into file inclusion operations without proper validation, creating an environment where attackers can inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access to systems through malicious file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain elevated privileges within the system. Organizations using TROforum 0.1 are particularly vulnerable because this represents a critical security gap that can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge beyond basic web application exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being processed in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that ensures only expected and safe values are accepted for the site_url parameter. Organizations should also consider applying the principle of least privilege by restricting file inclusion operations to predefined, trusted locations only. Additionally, the application should be updated to use secure coding practices that avoid direct concatenation of user input with file paths, and implement proper error handling that does not expose internal system information to attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding guidelines and implementing proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other industry security standards to prevent such critical remote code execution vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.