CVE-2007-3057 in Icontent Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/wysiwyg/spaw_control.class.php in the icontent 4.5 module for XOOPS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter. NOTE: this issue is probably a duplicate of CVE-2006-4656.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3057 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the icontent 4.5 module for the XOOPS content management system. This vulnerability exists in the file include/wysiwyg/spaw_control.class.php and specifically targets the spaw_root parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The flaw enables unauthorized execution of arbitrary PHP code, fundamentally compromising the security posture of affected systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic path traversal issue that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-22 and CWE-94.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the spaw_root parameter processing logic. When an attacker provides a malicious URL as the value for spaw_root, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to inject external URLs that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers, effectively enabling remote code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in parameter handling and represents a failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the entire XOOPS platform when the icontent 4.5 module is installed, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers worldwide. Additionally, the vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can establish persistent backdoors, modify system files, or even use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation to encompass long-term system compromise and data integrity violations. Organizations running vulnerable versions of XOOPS are at risk of having their web applications hijacked, leading to potential service disruption, data breaches, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2006-4656 indicates a pattern of insecure file inclusion practices that persisted across multiple versions, suggesting that proper security code reviews and input validation mechanisms were either absent or inadequately implemented. This vulnerability type is particularly concerning in web applications because it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring any specialized tools or techniques, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and code review processes. System administrators must update to patched versions of the icontent module and XOOPS platform to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters, including the spaw_root parameter, is essential. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection layers. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities where possible and implementing strict validation for all file paths. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure proper security coding practices are followed throughout the development lifecycle.