CVE-2007-2941 in vBulletin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the creator in vBulletin Google Yahoo Site Map (vBGSiteMap) 2.41 for vBulletin allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the base parameter to (1) vbgsitemap/vbgsitemap-config.php or (2) vbgsitemap/vbgsitemap-vbseo.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2941 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the vBulletin Google Yahoo Site Map plugin version 2.41. This issue affects the popular vBulletin forum software ecosystem and demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that has been a persistent concern in web application security for over a decade. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's configuration handling mechanisms where user-supplied input is improperly validated before being used in file inclusion operations.
The technical flaw manifests in the creator component of vBGSiteMap where the base parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion statements without adequate sanitization or validation. When attackers provide malicious URLs in the base parameter to either vbgsitemap-config.php or vbgsitemap-vbseo.php endpoints, the application blindly includes these remote resources, enabling arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. The flaw operates under the principle of insecure direct object reference where user input directly controls file paths or URLs that are subsequently processed by the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to upload malicious files, execute system commands, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects organizations running vBulletin forums with the specific plugin version, creating a significant risk for websites that host user-generated content and require robust security controls. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services, T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078 for valid accounts usage when attackers gain access to legitimate administrative credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2941 require immediate patching of the vulnerable plugin to version 2.42 or later, which addresses the improper input validation in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed, particularly those used in dynamic file inclusion contexts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by blocking requests containing suspicious URL patterns or malformed parameters. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts to the affected plugin endpoints. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all third-party components updated and regularly auditing plugin installations for known security issues. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their web applications to identify similar remote file inclusion patterns and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated and sanitized before being used in any dynamic execution contexts.