CVE-2007-2947 in OpenBase
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in OpenBASE Alpha 0.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_prefix parameter to (1) index.php, (2) email_subscribe.php, (3) download.php, or (4) development.php.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2947 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting OpenBASE Alpha 0.6, a web-based content management system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the root_prefix parameter across multiple core script files. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently included and executed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When the root_prefix parameter is passed to index.php, email_subscribe.php, download.php, or development.php, the application directly uses this parameter value in include or require statements without adequate sanitization. This creates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) vulnerability that falls under CWE-88, which specifically addresses the issue of improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, command, or query. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the attack surface and exploitation potential.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system security and data integrity. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious PHP code remotely, potentially gaining full control over the affected server. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to include data theft, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core application functionality, making it difficult to restrict or contain the attack vector. Organizations using OpenBASE Alpha 0.6 are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and complete system compromise, as demonstrated by similar RFI vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the wild to establish persistent backdoors and exfiltrate sensitive information.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the OpenBASE application to version 0.6.1 or later, which addresses the input validation issues. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures, including the use of allowlists for parameter values and the implementation of strict validation rules for all user-supplied inputs. Network security controls such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious requests containing potentially malicious file inclusion patterns. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web application with minimal required permissions and implementing proper output encoding to prevent XSS attacks that could lead to further exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for patterns associated with RFI exploitation attempts, as defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of failing to sanitize user-supplied data in web applications.