CVE-2007-2986 in AdminBot MX
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/live_status.lib.php in AdminBot MX 9.0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ROOT parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2986 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in AdminBot MX version 9.0.5 that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the lib/live_status.lib.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the ROOT parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code, creating a severe security risk for affected systems. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, which are commonly exploited in web application attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the ROOT parameter in the application's request. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the PHP interpreter to include and execute the remote file. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests that can be initiated from any remote location, making the exploit accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability exists due to the application's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms and secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The remote nature of the attack means that defenders cannot rely on traditional network-based security controls to prevent exploitation, as the attack originates from external sources. Organizations running AdminBot MX 9.0.5 are particularly vulnerable since this version contains the specific flaw that allows attackers to execute PHP code remotely. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other network resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of AdminBot MX that resolves the input validation issue in the live_status.lib.php file. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization techniques and avoid dynamic inclusion of user-supplied parameters. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns, while application-level protections should enforce strict parameter validation and use of secure coding practices. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter execution. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar flaws in other applications and ensure comprehensive protection against remote code execution threats.